Apparatus for reading barcodes and capturing non-barcode images

ABSTRACT

This patent specification describes an attachment for a mobile device. The attachment may have an attachment feature designed to be attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone/tablet with a camera. The attachment may also include an optics system and/or an illumination system that cooperates with the camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The illumination system may include a targeting illumination system that facilitates proper positioning of the article and/or an exposure illumination system that helps illuminate the article during capture. The optics system may include a lens that modifies the depth of field and/or the size of the field of view of the camera, an aperture that helps define the field of view, a filter that prevents light of undesired wavelengths from reaching the camera, and/or a mirror that redirects the camera&#39;s optical pathway.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14,527,748 (the '748 Application), filed Oct. 29, 2014. The '748Application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/644,356, filed Oct. 4, 2012. The '748 Application is also acontinuation -in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/708,835,filed Dec. 7, 2012. This application is also related to U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/319,193, filed Jun. 30, 2014. All of the foregoing areincorporated by reference as though set forth herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Smartphones (and other types of portable, hand-held computing devices,such as tablet computers) are in widespread use today, most often inconnection with entertainment, communications and office productivity.Most smartphones include a camera. Therefore, with appropriate software,such smartphones can be used to read barcodes. However, smartphonestypically have poor barcode reading capability.

SUMMARY

This patent specification relates generally to improving the barcode-reading capabilities of a smartphone, a tablet computer, or any otherportable, hand-held computing device that comprises a camera(hereinafter, “mobile device”). More specifically, this patentspecification describes components that maybe used in conjunction withmobile devices to facilitate barcode reading. One or more suchcomponents may be incorporated into an attachment for a mobile device.The attachment may include a target generating mechanism, a proximitysensor, targeting illumination that facilitates proper positioning of abarcode in the camera field-of-view, exposure illumination that isoptimized for barcode reading, optics that provide an alternativeoptical path to the mobile device, and/or a supplementary lens systemthat is optimized for barcode reading.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example of a mobile device attachment thatincludes a target generating mechanism.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various targeting patterns that may be projected bythe target generating mechanism shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example of a mobile device attachment thatincludes a proximity sensor.

FIG. 6 illustrates one way that a mobile device may utilize distanceinformation provided by the proximity sensor shown in FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIG. 7 illustrates another way that a mobile device may utilize distanceinformation provided by the proximity sensor shown in FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a mobile device attachment thatincludes illumination that is optimized for barcode reading.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a mobile device attachment thatincludes illumination that is optimized for barcode reading.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a mobile device attachment thatincludes a mirror that changes the optical path to the mobile device.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a mobile device attachment thatincludes a supplementary lens system that is optimized for barcodereading.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a mobile device attachment thatautomatically activates the components that improve the barcode readingcapabilities of the mobile device in response to a detectable signalprovided by the mobile device.

FIGS. 13A through 13C illustrate one configuration of an attachment fora mobile device.

FIGS. 14A through 14C illustrate another configuration of an attachmentfor a mobile device.

FIGS. 15A through 15C illustrate another configuration of an attachmentfor a mobile device.

FIGS. 16A through 16B illustrate another configuration of an attachmentfor a mobile device.

FIGS. 17A through 17B illustrate two additional configurations ofattachments for mobile devices.

FIGS. 18A through 18B illustrate another configuration of an attachmentfor a mobile device.

FIGS. 19A through 19B illustrate two more additional configurations ofattachments for mobile devices.

FIGS. 20A through 20B illustrate two more additional configurations ofattachments for mobile devices.

FIG. 21 illustrates exemplary data flow for a barcode capture anddecoding sequence driven by the attachment.

FIG. 22 illustrates exemplary data flow for a barcode capture anddecoding sequence driven by an app running on the mobile device.

FIGS. 23A through 23B illustrate a mobile device and an attachmentincluding a first set of optics optimized for barcode reading, and asecond set of optics optimized for capture of non-barcode images.

FIGS. 24A through 24B illustrate a schematic block diagram of a mobiledevice including camera output in Y.U.V. and R.G.B. formats.

FIGS. 25A through 25B illustrate exemplary autofocus and resolutionbinning options.

FIGS. 26A through 26B illustrate methods of capturing and decodingbarcodes with limited autofocus and with focus at a predeterminedposition, respectively.

FIGS. 27A through 27B illustrate a mobile device with an attachment withoptics for image capture, and optics for image illumination.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in this patent specification and the accompanying claims, theterm “mobile device” will be used to describe a portable, hand-heldcomputing device that comprises a camera. As indicated above, oneexample of a mobile device is a smartphone. Another example of a mobiledevice is a tablet computer. Yet another example is a hybridtablet/smartphone device, often nicknamed a “phablet.”

As used herein, the term “camera” refers to an apparatus for capturingdigital images. A camera that is included in a digital computing device(such as a smartphone, tablet computer, etc.) typically comprises a lensand an image sensor.

As used herein, the terms “attachment” and “accessory” are usedsynonymously, and may refer to an apparatus attached to a mobile device.An attachment for a mobile device may include just a single componentthat improves the barcode reading capabilities of the mobile device.Alternatively, an attachment may include multiple components thatimprove the barcode reading capabilities of the mobile device. Inaddition, an attachment for a mobile device may provide additionalfunctionality that is unrelated to improving the barcode readingcapabilities of the mobile device.

An attachment for a mobile device may cover a relatively small portionof the mobile device. Alternatively, an attachment for a mobile devicemay be a protective case that covers a substantial portion of the mobiledevice. Attachments may be designed for attachment to mobile devices ina wide variety of ways, including but not limited to corner-positionedattachment, encapsulating attachment, and mounting attachment. Theseattachment modes will be explained briefly as follows.

Corner-positioned attachments are attachments that are attached to coverone or more (but not all) corners of a mobile device. Corner-positionedattachments include, as examples, an attachment 100 as illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, an attachment 500 as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, anattachment 800 as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, an attachment 1900 asshown in FIG. 19A, and an attachment 1950 as illustrated in FIG. 19B.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 19A and 19B, two exemplary embodimentsfurther illustrate corner-positioned attachment to a mobile device. FIG.19A illustrates an attachment 1900 secured to a single corner of themobile device, and FIG. 19B illustrates an attachment 1950 secured totwo corners of the mobile device by sliding it over the two corners tobe covered.

In general, encapsulating attachments may be attachments that cover anentire side of a mobile device. Some encapsulating attachments may evencover a greater portion of the mobile device, such as the entire mobiledevice, or the entire mobile device with the exception of interfaceelements such as the display screen, buttons, electrical interfaces,infrared interfaces, and the like.

Examples of encapsulating attachments include an attachment 900 asillustrated in FIG. 9, an attachment 1300 as illustrated in FIGS. 13Aand 13B, an attachment 1400 as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, anattachment 1500 as illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, and an attachment1700 as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 7B. Each of these illustrates anattachment that encapsulates and/or serves as a protective case for theassociated mobile device.

Mounted attachments generally are attachments that are secured to onlyone face and/or one edge of a mobile device. Mounted attachments may notcover any corner of the mobile device, and thus also may not encapsulatethe mobile device.

Examples of mounting attachments include an attachment 1000 asillustrated in FIG. 10, an attachment 1100 as illustrated in FIG. 11, anattachment 2000 as illustrated in FIG. 20A, and an attachment 2050 asillustrated in FIG. 20B.

Referring briefly to FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, exemplary mountedattachments are shown. In FIG. 20A, the attachment 2000 may be securedto a single side of the mobile device by, for example, threading, abayonet fitting, or the like. In FIG. 20B, the attachment 2050 may besecured to a single side of the mobile device by, for example,engagement of a spring clip of the attachment 2050 with a correspondingcavity of the mobile device.

An attachment may be attached to the corresponding mobile device via anyattachment method known in the art, including but not limited tomechanical fasteners, frictional interfaces, adhesives, and the like. Anattachment may have one or more attachment features that accomplish theselected mode of attachment.

For attachments that cover some portion of the mobile device from bothsides (typically corner-positioned attachments and encapsulatingattachments), attachment may be accomplished through the use of africtional interface such as a modest interference fit between theinterior dimension of the attachment and the exterior dimension of theportion of the mobile device that receives the attachment. Forencapsulating attachments, a wide variety of attachment features areused in known examples of cases, covers, and other protectors for mobiledevices. For attachments that are attached to only one side of themobile device, other attachment modes and/or attachment features may beused, such as threaded fasteners, adhesives, snap-in interfaces, and thelike. All of these attachment modes and attachment features are withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

In one aspect, this patent specification describes an attachment for amobile device. The attachment may include: i) a supplemental powersource for providing one of charging power and operating power to themobile device; ii) one or more illumination and/or optical componentsthat improve the barcode reading capabilities of the mobile device;and/or iii) electronics comprising hardware circuits, a processor,and/or software code stored in memory and executed by the processor thatimprove the barcode reading capabilities of the mobile device. Theattachment, or any of the optics, circuits, or other componentsdescribed in this application, may be embodied in any of a cornerattachment, an encapsulating attachment, a mounted attachment, or anyother attachment configuration.

In other aspects, this patent specification describes a mobile deviceand/or an application stored in a non-transient memory of the mobiledevice that may include: i) one or more illumination and/or opticalcomponents that improve the barcode reading capabilities of the mobiledevice; and/or ii) electronics comprising hardware circuits, aprocessor, and/or software code stored in memory and executed by theprocessor that improve the barcode reading capabilities of the mobiledevice. In this aspect, such a barcode reading enhanced mobile devicemay further include an attachment to further enhance barcode reading,such attachment being any of the attachments described herein embodyingany of the optics, circuits, or other components described herein.

Target Generating Mechanism

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example of a mobile device attachment 100 thatincludes a target generating mechanism. The target generating mechanismmay be utilized to facilitate rapid and optimal positioning of a mobiledevice 102 with respect to a barcode 104 that the mobile device 102 isattempting to read. This is especially useful when the mobile device 102does not have a display, or the display is dimmed or turned off toconserve the battery power, or the display is difficult to be viewedwhen the mobile device 102 is operated as a barcode reader.

The target generating mechanism may include multiple targetingstructures 106 a, 106 b. These targeting structures 106 a, 106 b mayproject non -parallel targeting beams 108 a, 108 b, each of which form apoint or a pattern on the target area 110. The targeting structures 106a, 106 b may be configured so that (1) at the optimal distance from thecamera 112, the targeting beams 108 a, 108 b converge so that theprojected patterns and/or points meet at the center of the camera'sfield of view 114, and (2) at any distance from the camera 112 otherthan the optimal distance, the projected patterns and/or points do notmeet. Thus, when the mobile device 102 is being used to read a barcode104, the user may move the mobile device 102 until the projectedpatterns and/or points meet, indicating that the mobile device 102 is atthe optimal distance from the barcode 104 and that the barcode 104 ispositioned within the center of the camera's field of view 114.

The targeting structure 106 a includes a light source 116 a, a prism 118a, a collimating lens 120 a, and a pattern generating surface 122 a. Thetargeting structure 106 b includes a light source 116 b, a prism 118 b,a collimating lens 120 b, and a pattern generating surface 122 b. Thelight sources 116 a, 116 b may be laser diodes, light-emitting diodes(LEDs), etc.

Each of the pattern generating surfaces 122 a, 122 b may be aninterference pattern generating element or a diffractive element, suchas a holographic element that may include one or more diffractivegratings. Alternatively, each of the pattern generating surfaces 122 a,122 b may be a Fresnel type element that has been fabricated with thedesired pattern in mind.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various targeting patterns that may be projected bythe targeting structures 106 a, 106 b. As shown in FIG. 2, one possibletargeting pattern 224 that may be projected by the targeting structures106 a, 106 b is a circle 226 with a dot 228 in the center. One targetingstructure 106 a may generate the circle 226, while the other targetingstructure 106 b may generate the dot 228. The targeting structures 106a, 106 b may be configured so that when the mobile device 102 is anoptimal distance from the barcode 104, the dot 228 is substantially inthe center of the circle 226 to form the depicted pattern 224.

As shown in FIG. 3, another possible targeting pattern 324 that may beprojected by the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b is a cross comprisinga horizontal bar 330 and a vertical bar 332. One targeting structure 106a may generate the horizontal bar 330, while the other targetingstructure 106 b may generate the vertical bar 332. The targetingstructures 106 a, 106 b may be configured so that when the mobile device102 is an optimal distance from the barcode 104, the horizontal bar 330and the vertical bar 332 intersect each other to form the depictedpattern 324.

As shown in FIG. 4, another possible targeting pattern 424 that may beprojected by the targeting structures 106 a, 106 b is a circle 434comprising an X 436. One targeting structure 106 a may generate thecircle 434, while the other targeting structure 106 b may generate the X436. The targeting structures 106 a, 106 b may be configured so thatwhen the mobile device 102 is an optimal distance from the barcode 104,the circle 434 and the X 436 may intersect each other to form thedepicted pattern 424.

Another possible targeting pattern may include one or more bars. Thebar(s) may be, for example, blue LED bar(s). The length of the bar(s)may approximately coincide with the width of the field of view of themobile device 102.

Another possible targeting pattern may include multiple (e.g., two)circles. The circles may overlap at the optimal distance from thebarcode 104.

Proximity Sensor

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an example of a mobile device attachment 500 thatincludes a proximity sensor 538. The proximity sensor 538 may determinethe distance 540 between the camera 512 and a barcode 504 that themobile device 502 is attempting to read. The proximity sensor 538 maythen provide distance information 542 about this distance 540 to thecamera 512.

The attachment 500 may include an interface 544 between the proximitysensor 538 and the camera 512. The interface 544 may facilitatecommunication of the distance information 542 from the proximity sensor538 to the camera 512 (e.g., to a control program 552 running on thecamera 512). More specifically, the interface 544 may receive electricalsignals 546 from the proximity sensor 538. The electrical signals 546may indicate the distance 540 between the camera 512 and the barcode 504that the mobile device 502 is attempting to read. The interface 544 mayconvert the electrical signals 546 into distance information 542 that isin a format that the camera 512 is capable of understanding.Alternatively, the electrical signals 546 from the proximity sensor 538may be sent to the control program 552 using a connector supported bythe mobile device 502 or wirelessly.

The attachment 500 may also include circuitry 548 that sends controlsignals 550 to the camera 512. The control signals 550 may cause thecamera 512 to use the distance information 542 from the proximity sensor538 to assist with focusing appropriately.

For example, referring to FIG. 6, the control signals 550 may cause thecamera 512 to disable the camera's auto-focusing feature (step S602) andset the camera's focus value based on the distance information 542 thatis provided by the proximity sensor 538 (step S604).

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 7, the control signals 550 may causethe camera 512 to temporarily disable the camera's auto-focusing feature(step S702) and set the camera's focus value based on the distanceinformation 542 that is provided by the proximity sensor 538 (stepS704). Then, the camera 512 may subsequently re-enable the camera'sauto-focusing feature after the camera's focus value has been set basedon the distance information 542 (step S706).

Illumination Optimized for Barcode Reading

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a mobile device attachment 800 thatincludes illumination that is optimized for barcode reading. Theattachment 800 may be used in connection with a mobile device 802 thatincludes a light source 852 that provides white illumination. This lightsource 852 may be referred to herein as a white light source 852. Themobile device 802 may also include a lens 854.

The attachment 800 may include one or more single-color light sources856. The single-color light sources 856 may be light-emitting diodes(LEDs). The single-color light sources 856 may provide red illumination(i.e., illumination having a wavelength of about 650 nm).

The attachment 800 may include circuitry 858 that activates anddeactivates the single-color light sources 856. This circuitry 858 maybe referred to herein as activation/deactivation circuitry 858. Inaddition, the attachment 800 may include circuitry 860 that detects whenthe white light source 852 of the mobile device 802 is activated andwhen the white light source 852 of the mobile device 802 is deactivated.This circuitry 860 may be referred to herein as illumination detectioncircuitry 860.

The activation/deactivation circuitry 858 may activate the single-colorlight sources 856 in response to the white light source 852 of themobile device 802 being activated. Similarly, theactivation/deactivation circuitry 858 may deactivate the single-colorlight sources 856 in response to the white light source 852 of themobile device 802 being deactivated.

For example, when the illumination detection circuitry 860 detects thatthe white light source 852 of the mobile device 802 has been activated,the illumination detection circuitry 860 may send control signals 862 tothe activation/deactivation circuitry 858 that cause theactivation/deactivation circuitry 858 to activate the single-color lightsources 856. Conversely, when the illumination detection circuitry 860detects that the white light source 852 of the mobile device 802 hasbeen deactivated, the illumination detection circuitry 860 may sendcontrol signals 862 to the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 thatcause the activation/deactivation circuitry 858 to deactivate thesingle-color light sources 856.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a mobile device attachment 900that includes illumination that is optimized for barcode reading. Themobile device 902 includes a white light source 952. The attachment 900includes a light pipe 964 that redirects white illumination 966 providedby the white light source 952 of the mobile device 902. Single-colorfilters 968 a, 968 b (e.g., red filters) within the light pipe 964filter the redirected white illumination 966, so that single -colorillumination 970 a, 970 b (e.g., red illumination) is directed towardthe target area 910. A barcode 904 that is to be read through the use ofthe mobile device 902 and the attachment 900 may be present at thetarget area 910.

The light pipe 964 may be configured so that the single-colorillumination 970 a, 970 b is offset from the camera's image sensor 972in order to prevent glare. In other words, the single-color illumination970 a, 970 b may be directed toward the target area 910 from locationsthat are not directly in front of the camera's image sensor 972.

Optics that Change the Optical Path to the Mobile Device

With many mobile devices, the focusing lens for the image sensor islocated on the back side of the mobile device. Therefore, in order toattempt to read a barcode, the mobile device must be positioned so thatthe back side of the mobile device is aimed at the barcode.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a mobile device attachment 1000 thatincludes a mirror 1074 that changes the optical path to the mobiledevice 1002. The attachment 1000 permits a user of the mobile device1002 to attempt to read a barcode 1004 by aiming the top side 1076 ofthe mobile device 1002 at the barcode 1004. Light 1078 is reflected fromthe barcode 1004 and redirected by the mirror 1074 toward the mobiledevice's focusing lens 1054, which focuses the reflected light 1078 ontothe mobile device's image sensor 1072.

In the depicted example, the mirror 1074 is positioned so that thereflected light 1078 is redirected by 90°. Alternatively, however, themirror 1074 may be positioned so that the reflected light 1078 isredirected by a different angle.

Supplementary Lens System Optimized for Barcode Reading

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a mobile device attachment 1100 thatincludes a supplementary lens system that is optimized for barcodereading. The mobile device attachment 1100 may be attached to a mobiledevice 1102.

The supplementary lens system may include an aperture 1180. The aperture1180 limits the amount of light that reaches the camera's image sensor1172 through the camera's lens 1154. This may improve the depth of fieldof the camera 1112. With enhanced depth of field, the need forauto-focusing is reduced and decode response is improved.

The supplementary lens system may include a lens 1182 that is optimizedfor barcode reading. For example, the lens 1182 may minimize distortion.The lens 1182 can produce images having a relatively small field of viewand a relatively large barcode element size, thus making it easier toread barcodes with small printing size (e.g., between 3 millimeters and6 millimeters).

The supplementary lens system may include a single-color filter 1184(e.g., a red filter). The single-color filter 1184 may be positioned infront of the lens 1182 that is optimized for barcode reading.

Activation of Components that Improve Barcode Reading Capabilities

As indicated above, this patent specification describes an attachmentfor a mobile device, wherein the attachment includes one or morecomponents that improve the barcode reading capabilities of the mobiledevice. An attachment as described herein may be configured toautomatically activate the components that improve the barcode readingcapabilities of the mobile device in response to a detectable signalprovided by the mobile device. This signal may include, for example, arecognizable illumination pattern of the mobile device.

An example will be described in relation to FIG. 12, which illustratesan attachment 1200 for a mobile device 1202. The attachment 1200 mayinclude one or more targeting structures 1204. The targetingstructure(s) 1204 may be similar to the targeting structures 106 a, 106b shown in FIG. 1B. The targeting structure(s) 1204 may producetargeting beams, which may be similar to the targeting beams 108 a, 108b shown in FIG. 1B.

The attachment 1200 may also include one or more illumination sources1206. The illumination source(s) 1206 may be similar to the single-colorlight sources 856 shown in FIG. 8A.

The attachment 1200 may also include a photo-detector 1208. The photo-detector 1208 may be an image sensor.

The mobile device 1202 may include one or more white illuminationsources 1210. In addition, the mobile device 1202 may include a barcodereading application 1212.

The mobile device 1202 may be used to attempt to read a barcode (such asthe barcode 104 shown in FIG. 1A). The barcode reading application 1212may receive user input to begin attempting to read the barcode. Forexample, the user may press a “scan” button that is displayed via a userinterface 1214 of the mobile device 1202. In response, the whiteillumination source(s) 1210 of the mobile device 1202 may be activatedand deactivated in accordance with a pattern that is recognizable to thephoto-detector 1208 in the attachment 1200. For example, the whiteillumination source(s) 1210 of the mobile device 1202 may be brieflyturned on and then turned off again.

The photo-detector 1208 in the attachment 1200 may detect this pattern.In response, the targeting structure(s) 1204 and the illuminationsource(s) 1206 of the attachment 1200 may be activated for a definedtime period 1216. This time period 1216 may be configurable. During thistime period 1216, the user can aim the targeting beams at the barcodeand use the mobile device 1202 to attempt to read the barcode.

The attachment 1200 may include its own battery 1218 to power thephoto-detector 1208, the targeting structure(s) 1204 and theillumination source(s) 1206.

Attachments with Protective Cases, Batteries, and/or Magnetic StripeReaders

FIGS. 13A through 13C illustrate one configuration of an attachment 1300for a mobile device 1302. The attachment 1300 includes a protective case1304. The electronic device 1302 is insertable into the protective case1304. When the electronic device 1302 has been inserted into theprotective case 1304, the protective case 1304 provides a relativelyhard outer shell that encompasses the side portions and the back portionof the electronic device 1302. The display screen 1306 of the electronicdevice 1302 remains visible, but may be protected by a clear cover,after the electronic device 1302 has been inserted into the protectivecase 1304.

In the depicted configuration, it is assumed that the electronic device1302 is a smartphone or a portable media player. Consequently, theattachment 1300 is shaped so that a smartphone or a portable mediaplayer may be inserted into the attachment 1300. However, alternativeconfigurations of an attachment in accordance with the presentdisclosure may be designed and shaped for use in connection with othertypes of electronic devices, including any of those mentionedpreviously.

The attachment 1300 includes a battery 1308 that provides auxiliarypower to the electronic device 1302. The attachment 1300 may beconfigured so that when the electronic device 1302 is not connected to aDC power source and the internal battery of the electronic device 1302becomes depleted, the electronic device 1302 receives power from thebattery 1308 of the attachment 1300. Thus, the attachment 1300 mayperform the function of extending the life of the electronic device's1302 internal battery. The battery 1308 also provides power to theattachment 1300.

The battery 1308 is replaceable without having to remove the electronicdevice 1302 from the protective case 1304. The protective case 1304includes a back side 1314 (shown in FIG. 13B). An exterior surface ofthe back side 1314 of the protective case 1304 includes a battery cover1316. Replacing the battery 1308 comprises opening the battery cover1316, removing the battery 1308 from the attachment 1300, inserting anew battery into the attachment 1300, and closing the battery cover1316.

In the depicted configuration, opening the battery cover 1316 comprisessliding the battery cover 1316 in one direction, and closing the batterycover 1316 comprises sliding the battery cover 1316 in the oppositedirection. The battery cover 1316 does not become detached from theprotective case 1304 when the battery cover 1316 is opened or closed.However, other types of configurations may be utilized instead. Forexample, in one alternative configuration, the battery cover may beopened by completely detaching the battery cover from the protectivecase, and the battery cover may be closed by reattaching the batterycover to the protective case. In another alternative configuration, thebattery cover may be attached to the protective case via a hinge. Insuch a configuration, the battery cover may be opened by lifting up onone side of the cover, and the battery cover may be closed by pushingdown on the same side of the battery cover.

The battery 1308 may be rechargeable. There are many different types ofrechargeable batteries 1308 that may be used (e.g., lithium-ion,lithium-ion polymer, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, etc.). Theattachment 1300 comprises a power interface 1310 that enables theattachment 1300 to be connected to a power source (e.g., an electricaloutlet, a personal computer, a docking station, etc.) in order to chargethe battery 1308. The power interface 1310 may comprise a type of USBinterface (e.g., micro, mini, or standard).

The attachment 1300 also comprises a barcode scan engine 1318, whichscans and decodes barcodes. The barcode scan engine 1318 may beconfigured to scan and decode one-dimensional and/or two-dimensionalbarcodes. The barcode scan engine 1318 may be, for example, the CodeReader™ 8000 Scan Engine, which is sold commercially by The CodeCorporation (the assignee of the present application). However, anotherbarcode scan engine 1318 may be utilized instead.

The attachment 1300 may also include a magnetic stripe reader 1320,which reads magnetic stripe cards. A magnetic stripe card is a type ofcard that includes a band of magnetic material (referred to as amagnetic stripe), and that stores data by modifying the magnetism ofiron-based magnetic particles on the magnetic stripe. Examples ofmagnetic stripe cards include credit cards, driver's licenses, accessbadges, etc.

The attachment 1300 also includes a communication interface 1322 (shownin FIG. 13C). The electronic device 1302 may include a similarcommunication interface 1324. The communication interfaces 1322, 1324may be, for example, RS232 interfaces. Data that is generated by thebarcode scan engine 1318 and data that is generated by the magneticstripe reader 1320 may be provided to the electronic device 1302 via thecommunication interfaces 1322, 1324. The electronic device 1302 mayinclude one or more applications 1326 that read the communicationinterface 1324 in order to obtain the data from the barcode scan engine1318 and/or the magnetic stripe reader 1320.

Attachments with Two-Part Cases

FIGS. 14A through 14C illustrate another configuration of an attachment1400 for a mobile device 1402. This attachment 1400 is similar to theattachment 1300 described previously, except as indicated below.

In this attachment 1400, the protective case 1404 comprises a first part1404 a and a second part 1404 b. The electronic device 1402 isinsertable into the first part 1404 a of the protective case 1404. Thefirst and second parts 1404 a, 1404 b of the protective case 1404 aredetachable from one another, as shown in FIG. 14A. The first and secondparts 1404 a, 1404 b are also attachable to one another, as shown inFIG. 14B.

Attaching the first and second parts 1404 a, 1404 b comprisespositioning the first and second parts 1404 a, 1404 b in the mannershown in FIG. 14A, and then sliding the second part 1404 b into thefirst part 1404 a such that connectors 1428 a, 1428 b in the second part1404 b engage receptacles 1430 a, 1430 b in the first part 1404 a.Friction or a mechanical latch between the connectors 1428 a, 1428 b andthe receptacles 1430 a, 1430 b keep the first and second parts 1404 a,1404 b attached to one another.

FIG. 14B shows the protective case 1404 with the first and second parts1404 a, 1404 b attached together. As shown in FIG. 14C, when the firstand second parts 1404 a, 1404 b are attached, there is an electricalconnection between the rechargeable battery 1408 and the electronicdevice 1402, so that the rechargeable battery 1408 can provide power tothe electronic device 1402 when needed.

FIG. 14C also shows that the first part 1404 a of the protective case1404 comprises a barcode scan engine 1418 and a magnetic stripe reader1420. The second part 1404 b of the protective case 1404 comprises therechargeable battery 1408 and a power interface 1410 that allows theattachment 1400 to be connected to a power source in order to charge thebattery 1408. In an alternative configuration, the power interface 1410may be included in the first part 1404 a of the protective case 1404.

The battery 1408 is replaceable without having to remove the electronicdevice 1402 from the protective case 1404. Replacing the battery 1408comprises detaching the second part 1404 b of the protective case 1404from the first part 1404 a of the protective case 1404, and attaching areplacement second part (which includes a new battery) to the first part1404 a.

FIGS. 15A through 15C illustrate another configuration of an attachment1500 for a mobile device 1502. This attachment 1500 is similar to theattachment 1400 described previously, except as indicated below.

In this attachment 1500, inserting the electronic device 1502 into theprotective case 1504 comprises pushing the top part of the electronicdevice 1502 into the first part 1504 a of the protective case 1504, andsliding the second part 1504 b of the protective case 1504 onto thebottom part of the electronic device 1502. After the electronic device1502 has been inserted into the protective case 1504, the protectivecase 1504 remains in place for at least two reasons. First, thedimensions of the first and second parts 1504 a, 1504 b are such thatthe electronic device 1502 fits tightly within them. Second, theinterior portions of the first and second parts 1504 a, 1504 b comprisefelt pads 1532. Friction between the felt pads 1532 and the electronicdevice 1502 also helps to keep the protective case 1504 in place.

The battery 1508 is replaceable without having to remove the electronicdevice 1502 from the protective case 1504. Replacing the battery 1508comprises removing the second part 1504 b of the protective case 1504from the bottom part of the electronic device 1502, and sliding areplacement second part (which includes a new battery) onto the bottompart of the electronic device 1502. The attachment 1500, and morespecifically, the first part 1504 a of the protective case 1504, mayhave a power interface 1510 that allows the attachment 1500 to beconnected to a power source in order to charge the battery 1508, abarcode scan engine 1518, and a magnetic stripe reader 1520.

Charging the Electronic Device Battery with the Attachment Battery

Another attachment 1600 for a mobile device 1602 will be described inconnection with FIGS. 16A and 16B. The attachment 1600 includes abattery 1608 that provides auxiliary power to the electronic device1602. The attachment 1600 also includes a component 1634 that isconfigured to charge an internal battery 1636 of the electronic device1602 from the attachment's battery 1608 based on the remaining capacity1638 of the electronic device's internal battery 1636 and the remainingcapacity 1640 of the attachment's battery 1608. This component 1634 maybe referred to as a charging optimization component 1634.

The charging optimization component 1634 may be configured to operate asshown in FIG. 16B. In step S1602, the charging optimization component1634 may monitor the remaining capacity 1638 of the electronic device'sinternal battery 1636 and the remaining capacity 1640 of theattachment's battery 1608. In step S1604, the charging optimizationcomponent 1634 may determine whether the remaining capacity 1638 of theelectronic device's internal battery 1636 is below the first threshold1642. If so, then in step S1606 the charging optimization component 1634may determine whether the remaining capacity 1640 of the attachment'sbattery 1608 is above the second threshold 1644. If so, then in stepS1608 the charging optimization component 1634 may charge the electronicdevice's internal battery 1636 from the attachment's battery 1608.

Charging may continue until the remaining capacity 1638 of theelectronic device's internal battery 1636 is above a third threshold1652. More specifically, in step S1610, it may be determined whether theremaining capacity 1638 of the electronic device's internal battery 1636is above the third threshold 1652. If not, then the charging performedin step S1608 may continue. However, once it is determined that theremaining capacity 1638 of the electronic device's internal battery 1636is above the third threshold 1652, then in step S1612 charging may bediscontinued. The third threshold 1652 is higher than the firstthreshold 1642, and may also be higher than the second threshold 1644.

The charging optimization component 1634 may include battery chargingcircuitry 1646 that charges the electronic device's internal battery1636 from the attachment's battery 1608. Charging the electronicdevice's internal battery 1636 from the attachment's battery 1608involves putting additional energy into the electronic device's internalbattery 1636, where such additional energy is supplied by theattachment's battery 1608.

The charging optimization component 1634 may also include batterycapacity monitoring circuitry 1648 that monitors the remaining capacity1638 of the electronic device's internal battery 1636 and that alsomonitors the remaining capacity 1640 of the attachment's battery 1608.The charging optimization component 1634 may also include a batterycharging control module 1650 that controls the operation of the batterycharging circuitry 1646 based on input from the battery capacitymonitoring circuitry 1648.

For example, the battery capacity monitoring circuitry 1648 may notifythe battery charging control module 1650 about the remaining capacity1638 of the electronic device's internal battery 1636 and the remainingcapacity 1640 of the attachment's battery 1608. If the remainingcapacity 1638 of the electronic device's internal battery 1636 is belowthe first threshold 1642 and the remaining capacity 1640 of theattachment's battery 1608 is above the second threshold 1644, then thebattery charging control module 1650 may cause the battery chargingcircuitry 1646 to charge the electronic device's internal battery 1636from the attachment's battery 1608. For example, the battery chargingcontrol module 1650 may send control signals to the battery chargingcircuitry 1646, and these control signals may cause the battery chargingcircuitry 1646 to charge the electronic device's internal battery 1636from the attachment's battery 1608. As indicated above, this chargingmay continue until the remaining capacity 1638 of the electronicdevice's internal battery 1636 is above the third threshold 1652.

However, if the remaining capacity 1638 of the electronic device'sinternal battery 1636 is not below the first threshold 1642 and/or theremaining capacity 1640 of the attachment's battery 1608 is not abovethe second threshold 1644, then the battery charging control module 1650may cause the battery charging circuitry 1646 to refrain from chargingthe electronic device's internal battery 1636 from the attachment'sbattery 1608. For example, the battery charging control module 1650 maytake no action at all, and such inaction may cause the battery chargingcircuitry 1646 to refrain from charging the electronic device's internalbattery 1636 from the attachment's battery 1608.

The battery charging circuitry 1646 and the battery capacity monitoringcircuitry 1648 may be implemented via hardware. The battery chargingcontrol module 1650 may be implemented via software.

The attachment 1600 may include a protective case 1604, which may besimilar to any of the protective cases 1304, 1404, 1504 describedpreviously. The electronic device 1602 may be insertable into theprotective case 1604.

Attachments with Additional Optics

FIG. 17A illustrates an attachment 1700 for a mobile device 1702according to another embodiment. As shown, the attachment 1700 may be ofthe encapsulating type referenced previously, and may thus be designedto substantially contain the mobile device 1702. The attachment 1700 mayoptionally act as a protective case for the mobile device 1702 inaddition to providing enhanced barcode reading capability.

The mobile device 1702 may be of any known type, including but notlimited to smartphones, tablets, and smartphone/tablets (“phablets). Themobile device 1702 may have a variety of components, some of which areillustrated in FIG. 17A. For example, the mobile device 1702 may have ahousing 1704 that contains and/or retains the remaining components ofthe mobile device 1702. The housing 1740 may a plurality of externalsurfaces, such as a top surface 1706, a bottom surface 1708, a backsurface 1710, and a bezel 1712. Any of these surfaces may abut anattachment according to the present disclosure.

In the embodiment of FIG. 17A, the attachment 1700 may be designed toserve as a protective case for the mobile device 1702, and may thus abutall of the external surfaces of the mobile device 1702 listed above (thetop surface 1706, the bottom surface 1708, the back surface 1710, andthe bezel 1712). The bezel 1712 may frame a display screen 1714 on aface surface of the mobile device 1702, which may be left exposed by theattachment 1700 so that a user can use the display screen 1714 in asubstantially unimpeded manner. Optionally, the attachment 1700 may havea clear cover or coating (not shown) that covers the display screen1714.

The housing 1704 may also contain a processor 1716, memory 1718, acamera 1720, a mobile device communications interface 1722, and a mobiledevice battery 1724. Each of these may have various configurations, asknown in the art. The mobile device communications interface 1722 mayoptionally include a universal serial bus (USB) port or other connectorcommonly used in mobile devices. The memory 1718 may contain variousexecutable pieces of executable code, including but not limited to anoperating system 1726 and one or more applications, or “apps.” The appsmay include many different programs, one of which may be an app 1728that can be used to capture and/or decode barcodes with the aid of theattachment 1700.

The camera 1720 may include a camera lens 1730 and an image sensorarray, which may include one or more sensors such as CCD (charge-coupled display) sensors, CMOS (complementarymetal-oxide-semiconductor) sensors, or the like. The image sensor arraymay include an image sensor 1732, as shown. The camera lens 1730 mayreceive light from within a camera field of view 1734, which may, ifleft unmodified by the attachment 1700, have a camera angular size 1736as shown. The camera angular size 1736 may generally be the angle atwhich the camera field of view 1734 spreads. The camera 1720 may alsohave other parameters such as a range of focus depths, a depth of field,and the like. These parameters, along with the camera angular size 1736of the camera field of view 1734, may be designed primarily for generalpurpose photography, and may therefore not be ideal for barcode captureand/or decoding. The attachment 1700 may modify one or more of theseparameters in a manner that facilitates barcode capture and/or decoding,as will be described subsequently.

The attachment 1700 may also have a housing 1740. The housing 1740 maycontain and/or retain various components, and may also have variousinterior surfaces that facilitate retention of the mobile device 1702relative to the attachment 1700. For example, the attachment 1700 mayhave a top surface 1742 that abuts the top surface 1706 of the mobiledevice 1702, a bottom surface 1744 that abuts the bottom surface 1708 ofmobile device 1702, a back surface 1746 that abuts the back surface 1710of the mobile device 1702, and/or a bezel surface 1748 that abuts thebezel 1712 of the mobile device 1702.

These surfaces may be termed “interior surfaces” because they faceinward to define a cavity (not shown, as it is occupied by the mobiledevice 1702). These surfaces may be spaced apart in such a manner thatthe mobile device 1702 is snugly retained within the cavity, and is thusheld in place relative to the attachment 1700 via frictional engagement.More specifically, the top surface 1742 and the bottom surface 1744 mayface toward each other, and may be spaced apart so as to exert pressureagainst the top surface 1706 and the bottom surface 1708 of the mobiledevice 1702, respectively, so as to retain the mobile device 1702 withinthe cavity. Additionally or alternatively, the back surface 1746 and thebezel surface 1748 may face toward each other, and may be spaced apartso as to exert pressure against the back surface 1710 and the bezel1712, respectively, so as to retain the mobile device 1702 within thecavity. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 1740 may have lateralsurfaces (not shown) that face each other to retain lateral surfaces(i.e., left and right surfaces —not shown) of the mobile device 1702.The mobile device 1702 may thus be retained relative to the attachment1700 via frictional engagement. However, other attachment modes may beused in the alternative to or in addition to frictional engagement.

The housing 1740 may be divided into one or more chambers in order torestrict light passage from one component to another. For example, thehousing 1740 may have a first chamber 1752 and a second chamber 1754. Abarrier 1756 may separate the first chamber 1752 from the second chamber1754 in a manner that prevents light from either of the first chamber1752 and the second chamber 1754 from passing directly into the otherchamber.

The first chamber 1752 may be larger than the second chamber 1754, andmay contain components such as an attachment lens 1760, a barrier 1762,circuitry 1764, and an attachment battery 1766. The barrier 1762 may beshaped to define an aperture 1768, which may control the system field ofview 1770 within which light may be captured by the camera 1720 with theattachment 1700 in place. The system field of view 1770 may be differentfrom the camera field of view 1734, as will be described subsequently.

The circuitry 1764 may include or be electrically connected to anattachment communications interface 1772, which may be coupled to themobile device communications interface 1722 of the mobile device 1702via a link 1774. The link 1774 may be designed to convey data and/orelectrical power. The first chamber 1752 may further contain a usercontrol 1776, which may be actuated by the user to perform variousfunctions, such as initiating the capture of a barcode. The user control1776 may include any form of user inputs known in the art, including butnot limited to switches, levers, knobs, touch screens, microphonescoupled to voice-operation software, and the like. The user control 1776may advantageously take the form of a trigger that can be actuated, forexample, with the index finger of the user. In alternative embodiments,the housing 1740 may be modified to have a pistol grip or other gripthat enhances the ergonomics of the housing 1740 and/or facilitatesactuation of the user control 1776.

The housing 1740 may also retain a window 1778 in alignment with theattachment lens 1760 so that light is able to enter the first chamber1752 via the window 1778 to reach the attachment lens 1760, and afterpassing through the attachment lens 1760, be received and captured bythe camera 1720. In some embodiments, the window 1778 may act as notonly an exterior window that helps enclose the first chamber 1752, butalso a filter for light entering the first chamber 1752. For example, itmay be desirable to capture predominantly light of a relatively narrowsegment of the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, such asred light with a wavelength of approximately 660 nm. The window 1778 maythus have a colored tint and/or polarization that helps restrict lightentry into the first chamber 1752 to only a narrow wavelength banddesired for image capture for effective barcode decoding. In otherembodiments, the window 1778 need not act as a filter, but may insteadpermit visible light of any wavelength to enter the first chamber 1752.In such an event, a separate filter (not shown) may optionally bepositioned within the first chamber 1752, along the system opticalpathway 1786.

The attachment lens 1760, the barrier 1762, and the window 1778 may allbe parts of an optic system of the attachment 1700. An “optic system”may be any set of one or more components positioned in the field of viewof a camera to modify one or more parameters regarding light received bythe camera, such as the quantity of light received, the optical pathwayalong which light is received, the angular size of the field of view,the depth of field, the focus distance, and/or the wavelength(s) oflight received. Thus, an optic system, in various components, mayinclude any of various components such as lenses, filters, mirrors,apertures, and the like.

The second chamber 1754 may have one or more illumination systems. Morespecifically, the second chamber 1754 may have a targeting illuminationsystem 1780 and an exposure illumination system 1782. The targetingillumination system 1780 may provide a distinct illumination patternthat projects into the attachment field of view 1770. The illuminationpattern may indicate to the user whether the barcode is properlypositioned for capture and/or decoding. Such an illumination pattern mayinclude various projected features such as crosshairs, circles, boxes,and the like. The targeting illumination system 1780 may include variouscomponents that project such features, including but not limited tolasers, light-emitting diodes (LED's), incandescent lights, fluorescentlights, and the like. Light sources such as lasers may advantageouslyproject a narrow beam of light. Where the targeting illumination system1780 includes a light source with a wider broadcast area, it may bedesirable to use a mask with relatively narrow lines, small points, orother apertures that provide the desired distinction in the projectedlight.

The targeting illumination system 1780 may be designed to project lightonly prior to and/or after image capture so as to avoid interfering withdecodability of the barcode image. Conversely, the exposure illuminationsystem 1782 may illuminate objects (such as barcodes) within the systemfield of view 1770 during image capture. The exposure illuminationsystem 1782 may thus act like the flash present on many cameras, and mayprovide a diffuse illumination pattern to enhance decodability of thebarcode image by ensuring that has been sufficiently illuminated toprovide the contrast in pixel luminance values necessary for reliabledecoding. The exposure illuminating system 1782 may include variouslight sources, including but not limited to lasers, LED's, incandescentlights, fluorescent lights, and the like. The exposure illuminatingsystem 1782 may advantageously have one or more light sources with awide broadcast area, such as LED lights. If desired, the broadcast areaof the exposure illumination system 1782 may be tuned to generally matchthe system field of view 1770.

In this application, a “distinct illumination pattern” is anillumination pattern produced by light that is focused to providerelatively crisp lines or other shapes. Thus, the illumination producedby a laser is an example of light that would typically produce adistinct illumination pattern. By contrast, a “diffuse illuminationpattern” is an illumination pattern produced by light that is notfocused at any particular location, but rather emanating into a broadarea. Thus, the illumination produced by a typical light bulb is anexample of light that would typically produce a diffuse illuminationpattern.

In some embodiments, the light for such an exposure illumination systemmay not be generated by the attachment 1700, but may instead begenerated by the mobile device 1702. For example, the mobile device 1702may have an illumination torch incorporated into the camera 1720; theillumination from such an illumination torch may be redirected and/orfocused into the system field of view 1770 by an exposure illuminationsystem.

Returning to the embodiment of FIG. 17A, the targeting illuminationsystem 1780 and the exposure illumination system 1782 may beelectrically connected to the circuitry 1764 as shown. The targetingillumination system 1780 and the exposure illumination system 1782 mayalso be connected to the attachment battery 1766, either independentlyof the electrical connection to the circuitry 1764, or via theelectrical connection to the circuitry 1764. Thus, the targetingillumination system 1780 and the exposure illumination system 1782 maybe controlled by the circuitry 1764 and powered by the attachmentbattery 1766.

As mentioned previously, the barrier 1756 may serve to keep light frompassing directly between the first chamber 1752 and the second chamber1754. Thus, light from the targeting illumination system 1780 and/or theexposure illumination system 1782 may be unable to spillover from thesecond chamber 1754 into the first chamber 1752 during image capture.Such spillover could otherwise cause interference with image capture bypermitting light that did not come from within the system field of view1770 to pass into and be captured by the image sensor 1732 of the camera1720.

As mentioned previously, the parameters of the camera 1720, such as thecamera angular size 1736 of the camera field of view 1734, the range offocus depths, and the depth of field, of the camera 1720 may not beideal for barcode capture and/or decoding. Thus, any or all of theseparameters may be modified by the attachment 1700. Thus, the systemfield of view 1770 may have a system angular size 1784 that issignificantly smaller than the camera angular size 1736 of the camerafield of view 1734. This may be because conventional photography oftenuses a wider lens angle than is needed for capturing barcode images.

The system field of view 1770 may provide a system ratio of focal lengthto entrance pupil diameter that is greater than a camera ratio of focallength to entrance pupil diameter of the camera 1720 without theattachment 1700. Thus, the attachment 1700 may act to increase thef-stop of the camera 1720.

The system field of view 1770 may be centered on a system opticalpathway 1786, which may be the same as the optical pathway for thecamera 1720 without the attachment 1700. More specifically, the camera1720 may be designed to capture images centered on an optical pathwayperpendicular to the back surface 1710 of the mobile device 1702. Thisoptical pathway may not be modified by the attachment 1700 in thisembodiment; thus, the system optical pathway 1786 may be the same as theoptical pathway for the camera 1720, unaided. However, in otherembodiments, it may be desirable for an attachment to provide adifferent optical pathway for barcode scanning, as will be shown anddescribed subsequently.

The mobile device 1702 and the attachment 1700, combined, may also havea system focus depth 1788, which may advantageously be adjustable. Therange of focus depths to which the mobile device 1702 and the attachment1700 are adjustable may be different from those applicable to the camera1720, alone. Barcodes may be scanned from relatively close (typically adistance ranging from a few inches to a few feet), which may besignificantly shorter than the average focus depth for a non-barcodeimage captured with a mobile device. Thus, it may be beneficial for theattachment lens 1760 to facilitate image capture at shorter focusdepths.

Further, the mobile device 1702 and the attachment 1700, combined, mayhave a depth of field (not shown), consisting of the depth along thesystem optical pathway 1786 through which an object may remain in focus(to a degree acceptable for barcode capture and/or decoding) on eitherside of the system focus depth 1788. A relatively large depth of fieldmay advantageously permit barcode capture and/or decoding at a widerranges of distances between the mobile device 1702 and the barcode to becaptured. Thus, the attachment lens 1760 may advantageously provide arelatively larger depth of field, particularly at shorter focus depths,than the camera 1720, unaided.

The process of capturing a barcode image containing a barcode, with theattachment 1700 and the mobile device 1702, may be relativelystraightforward. In some embodiments, the user may perform alloperations via the app 1728. The app 1728 may have a user interface (notshown) with one or more graphical elements displayed on the displayscreen 1714. The user may use such graphical elements to initiate thebarcode scanning process (for example, by tapping a “scan” soft buttonon the display screen 1714). In response, the mobile device 1702 maytransmit a scan initiation signal to the attachment 1700 over the link1774. The initiation signal may activate the targeting illuminationsystem 1780, which may project targeting illumination that helps theuser to properly position the barcode within the system field of view1770.

After a predetermined period of time, or upon determining that thebarcode is properly positioned, the mobile device 1702 may transmit acapture initiation signal to the attachment over the link 1774. Theinitiation signal may deactivate the targeting illumination system 1780and/or activate the exposure illumination system 1782. The mobile devicemay then capture the image containing the barcode with the image sensor1732, while the exposure illumination system 1782 is active. The mobiledevice 1702 may then send a completion signal to the attachment 1700 viathe link 1774. In response, the attachment 1700 may deactivate theexposure illumination system 1782. Additionally or alternatively, themobile device 1702 may transmit, for example, with the capture signal, aduration of the exposure. The attachment 1700 may then deactivate theexposure illumination system 1782 automatically when the specifiedexposure duration has elapsed. Once the image containing the barcode hasbeen captured, it may be automatically be decoded, for example, by theapp 1728. In the alternative, the image containing the barcode may betransmitted to a remote decoder, such as a server, for decoding.

It should be noted that his process enables altering between thetargeting illumination system 1780 being active (while the exposureillumination system 1782 is de-active) and the exposure illuminationsystem 1782 being active (while the targeting illumination system 1780is de-active) such that the user may utilizing targeting illumination tocontinually aim, or adjust aim, of the field of view in reliance on thetargeting illumination while the image sensor may capture images of thebarcode in reliance on the exposure illumination.

It is also envisioned that the system could determine that the barcodeis properly positioned by providing a control, such as graphical elementto initiate capture of an image containing the barcode. This may bedone, for example, by the user tapping a “capture” soft button on thedisplay screen 1714 when the properly positioned.

In addition to or in the alternative to the use of the app 1728, thescanning, capture, and/or decoding steps may be carried out through theuse of the user control 1776. For example, the user control 1776 may beactuated by the user to launch the app 1728, which may either run in theforeground or the background. Actuation of the user control 1776 maycause the attachment communications interface 1772 to transmit aninitiation signal to the mobile device 1702 to launch the app 1728.

The features and functionality set forth in the descriptions of previousembodiments may also be applied to the attachment 1700. Thus, forexample, the attachment battery 1766 may optionally be used to power themobile device 1702 and/or recharge the mobile device battery 1724.

Attachments with Nonparallel Optical Pathway

As mentioned previously, the system optical pathway 1786 of the mobiledevice 1702 and the attachment 1700 may be perpendicular to the backsurface 1710 of the attachment 1700. In some embodiments, it may bedesirable to have the optical pathway extend along a different directionfrom that of the camera of the mobile device. One such example will beshown and described in connection with FIG. 17B.

FIG. 17B illustrates an attachment 1750 for a mobile device 1702according to another embodiment. Like the attachment 1700, theattachment 1750 may also be of the encapsulating type referencedpreviously, and may thus be designed to substantially contain the mobiledevice 1702. The attachment 1750 may optionally act as a protective casefor the mobile device 1702 in addition to providing enhanced barcodereading capability.

The attachment 1750 may have a configuration generally similar to thatof the attachment 1700 of FIG. 17A. Various parts of the attachment 1750that are similar to or identical to their counterparts of the attachment1700 will not be described.

As shown, the attachment 1750 may have a housing 1790 that containscomponents similar to those of the housing 1740 of the attachment 1700.The housing 1790 may have a first chamber 1792 and a second chamber1794. The first chamber 1792 may have an enlarged top portion (i.e., theportion of the first chamber 1792 positioned on the left in FIG. 17B)that accommodates a reflective surface in the form of a mirror 1795. Ifdesired, the bottom portion of the first chamber 1792 may be relativelycompact, like that of the first chamber 1752 of the previous embodiment.This shape may make it easier for a user to grip the bottom portion ofthe housing 1790 with one or two hands and point the top portion of thehousing 1790 toward the barcode to be scanned.

The mirror 1795 may redirect the optical pathway of the camera andattachment lens from a first direction 1796 perpendicular to the backsurface 1710 of the mobile device 1702 to a second direction 1798parallel to the back surface 1710 of the mobile device 1702. The seconddirection 1798 may extend into an area above the top surface 1706 (i.e.,the top side) of the mobile device 1702. Thus, a user holding the mobiledevice 1702 horizontally, as oriented in FIG. 17B, may easily point themobile device 1702 and the attachment 1750 such that the optical pathwayextends laterally, toward objects located forward of or lateral to theuser.

The mirror 1795 is only one of multiple reflective surfaces that may beused according to the invention. In alternative embodiments, redirectionmay be accomplished through the use of one or more prisms, fiber opticwiring, and/or any other light redirection hardware known in the art.

The housing 1790 may retain a window 1799 that extends perpendicular tothe second direction 1798. Like the window 1778 of the previousembodiment, the window 1799 may optionally be tinted to permit onlylight of a selected wavelength range to enter the first chamber 1792.

The second chamber 1794 may have a shape similar to that of the secondchamber 1754 of the previous embodiment. The second chamber 1794 maycontain a targeting illumination system 1780 and an exposureillumination system 1782, both of which may be substantially asdescribed in FIG. 17A. The second chamber 1794 may be isolated from thefirst chamber 1792 so that illumination from the second chamber 1794 isunable to pass directly into the first chamber 1792 to interfere withbarcode imaging.

As shown, the second chamber 1794 may be oriented to project thetargeting illumination and exposure illumination into the area over thetop of the mobile device 1702 (to the left in the view of FIG. 17B).Thus, the targeting illumination system 1780 and the exposureillumination system 1782 may both project illumination into the field ofview of the system made up of the mobile device 1702 and the attachment1750. This field of view (not shown) may be centered on the seconddirection 1798 shown in FIG. 17B.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate another configuration of an attachment 1800for a mobile device 1802. FIGS. 18A and 18B are a side elevation viewand a top elevation view, respectively, of the attachment 1800 and themobile device 1802. Like the attachment 1750 of FIG. 17B, the attachment1800 may also be of the encapsulating type referenced previously, andmay thus be designed to substantially contain the mobile device 1802.The attachment 1800 may optionally act as a protective case for themobile device 1802 in addition to providing enhanced barcode readingcapability.

The attachment 1800 may generally be similar to the attachment 1750 ofFIG. 17B. Various parts of the attachment 1800 that are similar to oridentical to their counterparts of the attachment 1750 will not bedescribed. The mobile device 1802 may be similar in configuration to themobile device 1702 of FIGS. 17A and 17B; some features of the mobiledevice 1802 have not been shown for clarity.

As shown, the attachment 1800 may have a housing 1840 with a firstchamber 1852 and a second chamber 1854. The housing 1840 may have anenlarged top portion and a relatively compact bottom portion, which maybe sized to be readily gripped in the hand of a user. The first chamber1852 may contain various components, which may include, but need not belimited to, circuitry 1864, an attachment battery 1866, an attachmentcommunications interface 1872 connected to the mobile devicecommunications interface 1722 by a link 1874, a user control 1876, asystem lens 1860, and a mirror 1845.

As in the previous embodiment, the attachment 1800 may utilize themirror 1845 to redirect an optical pathway of the camera 1720 from afirst direction 1896 perpendicular to a back surface 1710 of the mobiledevice 1802 to a second direction 1898 generally parallel to the backsurface 1710. The second direction 1898 may thus be substantiallyorthogonal to the first direction 1896.

The second chamber 1854 may house a targeting illumination system 1880and an exposure illumination system 1882, which may be similar infunction to their counterparts of the previous embodiment. The secondchamber 1854 may effectively isolate the targeting illumination system1880 and the exposure illumination system 1882 from the componentswithin the first chamber 1852 to prevent light from entering the firstchamber 1852 directly from the targeting illumination system 1880 and/orthe exposure illumination system 1882.

A window 1899 may be retained by the housing 1840 and may define a wallof the housing that covers the first chamber 1852 and the second chamber1854. The window 1899 may optionally be tinted, polarized, or otherwiseconfigured to define a filter that permits passage of light of onlycertain wavelengths to enter and/or leave the first chamber 1852 and/orthe second chamber 1854. Advantageously, when positioned to cover thesecond chamber 1854, the window 1899 may serve to control the wavelengthof light that can be emitted from the housing 1840 by the targetingillumination system 1880 and the exposure illumination system 1882.Thus, barcodes to be imaged with the mobile device 1802 may beilluminated only with light of the frequencies that are best suited toilluminate the barcode for capture and decoding. Such an arrangement mayalso help make the mobile device 1802 and the attachment 1800 lessobtrusive by reducing the emission of visible light of the brighter,more noticeable frequencies.

In addition to or in the alternative to filtering, the window 1899 mayact as a supplemental lens, and may thus further modify the opticalproperties (besides wavelength) of the light entering the first chamber1852 and/or the light leaving the second chamber 1854. For example, thewindow 1899 may be shaped to act in concert with the system lens 1860 tohelp control a depth of field, a focus distance, an angular size, and/orother qualities of the resulting system field of view of the mobiledevice 1802 combined with the attachment 1800.

FIG. 18B illustrates a section view of the mobile device 1802 and theattachment 1800 from the top, providing a view into the first chamber1852. FIG. 18B illustrates the mirror 1845, which may be positionedalongside a barcode scanning engine 1850. The barcode scanning engine1850 may function in tandem with the mirror 1845 and the camera 1720 ofthe mobile device 1802, or may function separately therefrom. Thebarcode scanning engine 1850 may contain various components for scanningbarcodes, such as a specialized camera, targeting illumination system,exposure illumination system, decoding hardware, and/or controller. Insome embodiments, the barcode scanning engine 1850 may be used to imageand decode some barcodes, while other types are imaged by the camera1720 and decoded by the mobile device 1802.

The presence, in the attachment 1800, of both the barcode scanningengine 1850 and the remaining components that facilitate barcodescanning with the mobile device 1802 is optional. In alternativeembodiments, an attachment may have only a barcode scanning engine 1850that functions substantially independently of the hardware of the mobiledevice 1802, or only components that facilitate barcode image captureand/or decoding with the hardware of the mobile device 1802.

Corner-Positioned Attachments

As mentioned previously, some attachments that facilitate barcode imagecapture and/or decoding may cover only some (but not all) corners of amobile device. Such attachments may advantageously be relatively compactand unobtrusive.

FIGS. 19A through 19B illustrate two more additional configurations ofattachments for mobile devices, which utilize corner-positionedattachment. More specifically, FIG. 19A illustrates an attachment 1900secured to a mobile device 1902, and FIG. 19B illustrates an attachment1950 secured to a mobile device 1902 like that of FIG. 19A.

The mobile device 1902 of FIGS. 19A and 19B may be a smartphone with atop surface 1906 (not visible in FIG. 19B), a back surface 1910, a bezel1912, a right side 1916, and a left side 1918. The mobile device 1902may have a camera with a lens that receives light through an aperture onthe back surface 1910. The aperture may be covered by the attachment1900 or the attachment 1950.

The attachment 1900 may provide an optic system, which may modify one ormore parameters of the light received by the camera of the mobile device1902. As set forth previously, these parameters may include, but neednot be limited to, the quantity of light received, the optical pathwayalong which light is received, the angular size of the field of view,the depth of field, the focus distance, and/or the wavelength(s) oflight received. The optic system of the attachment 1900 may include oneor more components that provide such modification. Such components mayinclude, but need not be limited to, lenses, filters, mirrors,apertures, and the like.

If desired, the attachment 1900 may have all of the elements ofattachment 1800 described in FIGS. 18A and 18B or it may have asimplified design compared to the attachment 1800. For example, theattachment 1900 may not have circuitry, a battery, or an illuminationsystem. Rather, the attachment 1900 may have only the optic system.Hence, the attachment 1900 may not need electrical power or anelectrical connection to the mobile device 1902. The attachment 1900 maysimply have an aperture 1920 through which light enters the attachment1900 to pass through the optic system and enter the camera of the mobiledevice 1902.

Mechanically, the attachment 1900 may be secured to the mobile device1902 via frictional engagement. More specifically, the attachment 1900may have a plurality of interior surfaces that cooperate to define acavity sized to retain the corner of the mobile device 1902 with somemoderate interference.

For example, the attachment 1900 may have a back surface 1930 that facesthe back surface 1910 of the mobile device 1902, and a front surface1932 that faces the bezel 1912. When the attachment 1900 is installed onthe mobile device 1902, the back surface 1930 may abut the back surface1910, and the front surface 1932 may abut the bezel 1912. The distancebetween the back surface 1930 and the front surface 1932 may besufficiently large to permit the attachment 1900 to be inserted onto thecorner of the mobile device 1902 without excessive difficulty, but alsosmall enough that, once installed, the attachment 1900 will not slidefree of the mobile device 1902. Since the attachment 1900 only covers asingle corner of the mobile device 1902, the attachment 1900 may beinstalled on the mobile device 1902 by sliding the attachment 1900 alongthe top surface 1906 and/or parallel to the right side 1916.

The attachment 1950 may have a configuration similar to that of theattachment 1900, except that the attachment 1950 may cover not one, buttwo corners of the mobile device 1902. Thus, the attachment 1950 maycover the entirety of the top surface 1906. The attachment 1950 mayslide into engagement with the mobile device by sliding the attachment1950 along the back surface 1910, the bezel 1912, the right side 1916,and the left side 1918.

The attachment 1950 may have a back surface 1980 that faces the backsurface 1910 of the mobile device 1902, a front surface 1982 that facesthe bezel 1912, a left surface 1986 that faces the right side 1916, anda right surface 1988 that faces the right surface 1988. The back surface1980 and the front surface 1982 may be spaced apart to provide themoderate interference fit described above in connection with theattachment 1900 of FIG. 19A. Additionally or alternatively, the leftsurface 1986 and the right surface 1988 may be spaced apart to providethe moderate interference fit described above. In either case, theattachment 1950 may grip the top portion of the mobile device 1902 toremain securely in place until the user desires to remove it.

In the alternative to frictional engagement, the attachment 1900 and theattachment 1950 may be secured to the mobile device 1902 through the useof various other attachment methods. Such attachment methods include,but need not be limited to, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and thelike.

Mounted Attachments

As mentioned previously, another attachment mode for attachments thatfacilitate barcode image capture and/or decoding is a mountedattachment. Such attachments need not cover any corners of the mobiledevice in order to remain in place, and may also be relatively compactand unobtrusive.

FIGS. 20A through 20B illustrate two more additional configurations ofattachments for mobile devices, which utilize mounted attachment. Morespecifically, FIG. 20A illustrates an attachment 2000 secured to amobile device 2002, and FIG. 20B illustrates an attachment 2050 securedto a mobile device 2052.

The mobile device 2002 of FIG. 20A may be a smartphone with a topsurface 2006, a back surface 2010, a bezel 2012, a right side 2016, anda left side 2018. The mobile device 2002 may have a camera with a lensthat receives light through an aperture 2020 on the back surface 2010.The aperture 2020 may be covered by the attachment 2000 when theattachment 2000 is mounted on the mobile device 2002.

Like the attachment 1900 and the attachment 1950 of FIGS. 19A and 19B,respectively, the attachment 2000 may provide an optic system, which maymodify one or more parameters of the light received by the camera of themobile device 1902. The attachment 2000 may thus include any of thecomponents mentioned previously to accomplish such modification. Theattachment 2000 may also have a simplified design with only the opticsystem, and may have an aperture 2030 through which light enters theattachment 2000 to pass through the optic system and enter the camera ofthe mobile device 1902.

Mechanically, the attachment 2000 may be secured to the mobile device2002 via a fastening interface, which may include a mobile deviceelement 2022 on the mobile device 2002, proximate the aperture 2020, andan attachment element 2034 on the attachment 2000. The mobile deviceelement 2022 and the attachment element 2034 may each have generallycircular (or cylindrical) configuration.

In some embodiments, the mobile device element 2022 may take the form ofa threaded receptacle, and the attachment element 2034 may take the formof a threaded extension. The attachment 2000 may be secured to themobile device 2002 by simply screwing the attachment element 2034 intothe mobile device element 2022. In alternative embodiments, differentfastening systems may be used. Such fastening systems may includebayonet fasteners, frictional engagements, snap-in fastening systems,and the like.

The mobile device 2052 may be similar to the mobile device 2002.However, in place of the aperture 2020 and the mobile device element2022, the mobile device 2052 may have an aperture 2070 and a mobiledevice element 2072 of a different shape. More precisely, the mobiledevice element 2072 may be rectangular in shape rather than round. Themobile device element 2072 may take the form of a recess surrounding theaperture 2070 with the rectangular shape.

Similarly, the attachment 2050 may be rectangular in shape, and may besized to fit into the mobile device element 2072. The attachment 2050may have an aperture 2080 and an attachment element 2084 in the form ofa plurality of bumps around the periphery of the rectangular shape ofthe attachment 2050. If desired, the mobile device element 2072 mayinclude corresponding detents that receive the bumps so that theattachment 2050 snaps into place when pressed into the mobile deviceelement 2072.

The attachment 2000 and the attachment 2050 represent only two of manyexamples of mounted attachments that may be mounted to mobile devices tofacilitate barcode capture and/or decoding. In other embodiments,different attachment shapes and/or mounting methods may be used. In someembodiments, attachments may be adhesive bonded, fastened, otherwisemounted to, or even integrally formed with the back cover of a mobiledevice. Such a back cover may be a panel that is attachable to theremainder of the mobile device to define, for example, the back surface2010 of the mobile device 2002.

Attachment Control of Barcode Capture

As mentioned in the description of FIG. 17A, the process of capturingand/or decoding a barcode may be managed from a mobile device and/orfrom an attachment. FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate how this may beaccomplished with respect to any of the mobile devices and/orattachments disclosed in this specification.

FIG. 21 illustrates exemplary data flow for a barcode capture anddecoding sequence driven by the attachment. Thus, as carried out in FIG.21, barcode capture may be accomplished through the use of a usercontrol such as the user control 1776 of FIG. 17A.

As shown, barcode image capture and decoding may be initiated from theattachment via a trigger 2102, such as user actuation of a user controlon the attachment. Additionally or alternatively, the user may initiatebarcode capture via a soft trigger 2104, which may be a soft button ofan app, such as the app 1728 of FIG. 17A. The app 1728 may be softwarethat is specific to a certain attachment, or may be ahardware-independent barcode scanning app.

In response to receipt of the trigger 2102 or the soft trigger 2104, theattachment may transmit a disable autofocus instruction 2106 to themobile device to cause the operating system or other camera controlsoftware to perform a step 2110 in which the autofocus feature of thecamera is disabled, the camera is set to focus at a given focusdistance, the autofocus feature of the camera is set to operate within alimited range of focus depths, and/or other steps are taken to establishthe focus settings of the camera. The attachment may also perform a step2112 in which the attachment activates the targeting illuminationsystem, such as the targeting illumination system 1780 of FIG. 17A.

The attachment may receive a focus set confirmation 2114 from the mobiledevice. The focus set confirmation 2114 may confirm that the subjectmatter to be imaged is in proper focus. In the event that the autofocusfeature of the camera is used in some capacity, the focus setconfirmation 2114 may be sent in response to convergence of the focusingoperations on a consistent focus setting.

The attachment may then, in a step 2120, turn off the targetingillumination system, and then in a step 2122, turn on the exposureillumination system. Once the exposure illumination system has beenactivated, the attachment may transmit an image capture signal 2124 tothe mobile device. In response, the mobile device may perform a step2130 in which it captures one or more images with the camera, each ofwhich may be with a different exposure duration and/or gain setting withrespect to the other images.

After image capture is complete, the mobile device may transmit an imagecapture complete signal 2132 to the attachment. The attachment mayperform a step 2140 in which the exposure illumination system isdeactivated. The attachment may perform a step 2142 in which itreactivates the targeting illumination system in preparation forrecapture of the barcode, if needed.

Meanwhile, the mobile device may perform a step 2134 in which itattempts to decode the barcode using the captured image(s) containingthe barcode. As mentioned previously, this may be done locally (i.e.,within the mobile device) or by a different computing device remote fromthe mobile device. The mobile device may transmit a decodefailure/decode success signal 2144 to the attachment.

The attachment may receive the decode failure/decode success signal 2144and turn off the targeting illumination system in a step 2150. This maybe done regardless of whether decoding was successful because in eithercase, the targeting illumination system will be deactivated (because thebarcode was successfully decoded or because a new image of the barcodeneeds to be captured).

Pursuant to a query 2152, if the decoding was successful, thecapture/decoding process may end 2154. If the decoding failed 2160, theapparatus may return to the step 2122 and turn on the image exposureillumination once again to re-capture the image and attempt to re-decodethe barcode. The process may repeat until the barcode has beensuccessfully decoded.

FIG. 22 illustrates exemplary data flow for a barcode capture anddecoding sequence driven by the mobile device. Barcode image capture anddecoding may be accomplished through the use of an app such as the app1728 of FIG. 17A. A user control such as the user control 1776 of FIG.17A may also optionally be used.

As shown, barcode capture may be initiated from the attachment via atrigger 2202, such as user actuation of a user control on theattachment. A trigger signal 2204 may be transmitted to the mobiledevice in response to receipt of the trigger 2202 by the attachment.Additionally or alternatively, the user may initiate barcode capture viaa soft trigger 2206, which may be a soft button of an app as describedpreviously.

In response to receipt of the trigger signal 2204 or the soft trigger2206, the app may transmit an instruction to the operating system orother camera control software to perform a step 2210 in which theautofocus feature of the camera is disabled, the camera is set to focusat a given focus distance, the autofocus feature of the camera is set tooperate within a limited range of focus depths, and/or other steps aretaken to establish the focus settings of the camera.

The app may also transmit a start exposure signal 2212 to theattachment. In response, the attachment may perform a step 2220 in whichthe exposure illumination system is turned on. The attachment maytransmit an illumination on signal 2222 back to the mobile device toconfirm that the exposure illumination system has been activated. Theapp may then initiate capture of one or more images, each with adifferent exposure period and/or gain setting, with the camera in a step2224.

Once the barcode image has been captured by the camera, the mobiledevice may transmit an image capture complete signal 2230 to theattachment. In response to receipt of the image capture complete signal2230, the attachment may perform a step 2232 in which the exposureillumination is deactivated. The attachment may also perform a step 2242in which the targeting illumination is activated in case there is a needto capture a new barcode image.

Meanwhile, the mobile device may, in a step 2240, attempt to decode thebarcode image(s). The mobile device may transmit a start exposure orcomplete signal 2250 to the attachment to indicate whether the processis complete (indicating successful decode) or there is a need to capturea new barcode image. In response to receipt of the start exposure orcomplete signal 2250, the attachment may perform a step 2252 in whichthe targeting illumination system is deactivated.

Pursuant to a query 2260, if the start exposure or complete signal 2250indicated that the process is complete, the process may end 2262. If,instead, the start exposure or complete signal indicated that a newbarcode image is to be captured, the attachment may commence the processto start an exposure 2264 by returning to the step 2220, in which theexposure illumination system is activated.

It should be appreciated that each of the signals sent between themobile device and the attachment as described may be through thehardwired communication interface (1722, 1774, 1772 FIG. 1A) or througha wireless link such as Bluetooth®.

System with Multiple Sets of Optics

It may be desirable for a single device to be capable of capturingbarcode images and non-barcode images with a minimum of reconfiguration.Such a system may be used, for example, to take ordinary photographs andbarcode images interchangeably. One way in which this may beaccomplished is through the use of multiple sets of optics, which maycoexist within a mobile device (FIG. 23A) or an attachment for a mobiledevice (FIG. 23B).

FIG. 23A illustrates a mobile device 2302 that has two sets of opticsfor capturing different types of images. The mobile device 2302 may havea configuration that is otherwise similar to other mobile devicesdescribed previously in this disclosure.

Thus, the mobile device 2302 may have a housing 2304 that containsand/or retains a variety of components. The housing 2304 may havevarious exterior surfaces as well, including a top surface 2306 and aback surface 2310. The housing 2304 may retain a display screen 2314 onits face side. Within the housing 2304, the mobile device 2302 may havea processor 2316, memory 2318, a mobile device battery 2324, acontroller 2342, a zoom module 2344, and an autofocus module 2346, animage sensor array with an image sensor 2332. The processor 2316, memory2318, and mobile device battery 2324 may be as described in connectionwith previous embodiments. The memory 2318 may contain an operatingsystem 2326 and a plurality of apps, including an app 2328 that controlsthe operation of a camera (not shown for clarity) of which the imagesensor 2332 is a part.

The zoom module 2344 and the autofocus module 2346 may serve to controlthe optical zoom setting and/or autofocus setting of the camera. Theymay be controlled by the controller 2342. As shown, the camera mayinclude two separate optic systems: a first optic system and a secondoptic system. The first optic system may be designed to facilitate thecapture and/or decoding of barcode images, and may include a first lens2380, a first window 2382, and a reflective surface in the form of amirror 2348. The second optic system may be designed to facilitate thecapture of non-barcode images, and may include a second lens 2390 and asecond window 2392.

As shown, the first optic system may have a first optical pathway 2384extending parallel to the back surface 2310, perpendicular to the topsurface 2306. As in the embodiment of FIG. 17B, this arrangement mayfacilitate the capture of images for barcodes positioned generallyin-plane with the mobile device 2302. If desired, a targetingillumination system and/or an exposure illumination system (not shown)may be included, and may be oriented to project light into a first fieldof view 2386 of the first optic system. The first field of view 2386 maybe centered on the first optical pathway 2384.

As shown, the second optic system may have a second optical pathway 2394extending parallel to the top surface 2306, perpendicular to the backsurface 2310. This arrangement may facilitate the capture of non-barcodeimages because people are generally accustomed to digital photography inwhich the optical pathway is generally along their line of sight (i.e.,parallel to the direction in which they look to view the display screen2314). If desired, an exposure illumination system and/or illuminationtorch (not shown) may be used to illuminate non-barcode objects to beimaged; the illumination from such systems may be projected into asecond field of view 2396 of the second optic system. The second fieldof view 2396 may be centered on the second optical pathway 2394.

If desired, the first field of view 2386 and the second field of view2396 need not be the same size. For example, if barcodes are to beimaged at very close range, the first field of view 2386 may have anangular size that is larger than that of the second field of view 2396.Conversely, if barcodes are to be imaged from a greater distance, orwide-angle non-barcode photography is desired, the angular size of thesecond field of view 2396 may be larger than that of the first field ofview 2396.

Additionally or alternatively, other parameters of the first and secondoptic systems may be different. For example, the first and second opticsystems may have different focus depths, depths of field, f-stop values,or the like. Typically the first optic system for reading barcode mayhave a higher f-stop value and therefore a greater depth of field. Thesecond optic system may have a smaller f-stop value (i.e. largeraperture) with a small depth of field and wherein an auto focus systemprovides for a greater range of focus depths for photography.

As another example, the first optic system may have a filter that limitspassage of light through the first optic system to certain wavelengths,while the second optic system may have no such filter.

The image sensor 2332 may have a first portion 2334 and a second portion2336. The first portion 2334 may be positioned to receive light from thefirst field of view 2386, which light may be redirected toward the firstportion 2334 by the mirror 2348. The second portion 2336 may bepositioned to receive light from the second field of view 2396, whichmay pass directly into the second portion 2336 without the need forredirection.

Thus, the image sensor 2332 may receive light from the first field ofview 2386 for barcode images, and from the second field of view 2396 fornon -barcode images. Barcode image data captured by the first portion2334 of the image sensor 2332 may be transmitted to the memory 2318 orto a separate decoding module or a separate device, and may be decodedto obtain barcode data. The barcode image data may then be deleted.Conversely, non-barcode image data captured by the second portion 2336of the image sensor 2332 may be transmitted to the memory 2318 andstored until the user wishes to move or delete it.

In some embodiments the images captured by image sensor 2334 are usedonly for reading barcodes and decoded data may be displayed on display2314 and the image itself is not displayed on display 2314. Imagescaptured by image sensor 2336, which may be photographs, are displayedon display 2314 with the appropriate app.

In operation, the user may, if desired, use the app 2328 to select thetype of image to be captured (i.e., a barcode image or non-barcodeimage). The applicable portion (i.e., the first portion 2334 or thesecond portion 2336) of the image sensor 2332 may then be activated tocapture the desired image. If desired, the app 2328 may also enable theuser to select applicable image storage and/or decoding settings thatwill be applied to barcode images and/or non-barcode images captured bythe image sensor 2332.

Additionally or alternatively, the first portion 2334 and the secondportion 2336 may be utilized to capture barcode and non-barcode imagedata, respectively, without the user needing to select which type ofimage to capture. Both may be captured with each exposure, and the usermay, after completion of the exposure, have the option to save or deleteeither the barcode image or the non-barcode image, or to decode thebarcode image, for example, via menus or other selection prompts withinthe app 2328. Alternatively, barcode images and/or non-barcode imagesmay be automatically stored and/or decoded by the app 2328 after imagecapture without requiring user input. Further, the app 2328 may bedesigned to automatically delete barcode images after they aresuccessfully decoded or overwritten by subsequent barcode image captureactions.

If desired, the image sensor 2332 may capture a single composite imagebased on the light from the first field of view 2386 and the light fromthe second field of view 2396. The user may then optionally have theoption to divide the composite image into barcode and non-barcodeportions.

FIG. 23B illustrates an attachment 2350 for a mobile device 2352. Theattachment 2350 may have two sets of optics for capturing differenttypes of images. The mobile device 2352 may have a housing 2354 with aconfiguration similar to that of other mobile devices describedpreviously in this disclosure. In addition to the components shown inFIG. 23A, the mobile device 2352 may have a mobile device communicationsinterface 2322 connected to the attachment 2350 via a link 2374. FIG.23B also illustrates the mobile device 2352 with a camera 2320 thatincludes the image sensor 2332 and a camera lens 2330.

The attachment 2350 may have a housing 2340 that houses variouscomponents, such as circuitry 2364, an attachment battery 2366, a usercontrol 2376, and an attachment communications interface 2372 connectedto the link 2374. Further, the housing 2340 may house a first opticsystem and a second optic system.

The first and second optic systems of the attachment 2350 may be similarin configuration to those of the mobile device 2302 of FIG. 23A. Thefirst optic system may be designed to capture barcode image data, whilethe second optic system may be designed for general purpose photography.The first optic system may also include the mirror 2348 such that theoptical path 2384 of the first optic system is oriented generallytransverse to the optical path 2394 of the second optic system, as inFIG. 23A.

Rather than conveying light from the first field of view 2386 and thesecond field of view 2396 directly to the image sensor 2332, the firstand second optic systems may instead convey the light to the imagesensor 2332 via the camera lens 2330. This may enable the attachment2350 to be attached to the mobile device 2352 without the need to modifythe camera 2320, for example, to remove the camera lens 2330. In someembodiments, the camera lens 2330, the first lens 2380, and/or thesecond lens 2390 may be specially designed to help correct for anydistortion, image reversal, or other effects that may occur as a resultof passage of the light through the camera lens 2330 in addition to thefirst lens 2380 or the second lens 2390. Additionally or alternatively,one or more additional lenses may be added to the attachment 2350 and/orthe mobile device 2352 to correct for any such effects. Furtheradditionally or alternatively, such effects may be corrected throughpost-processing of the barcode and non -barcode images.

Although the first portion 2334 and the second portion 2336 appear thesame size as each other in FIGS. 23A and 23B, they need not have thesame size or aspect ratio. Low resolution images may be sufficient forbarcode reading, particularly if they have a high aspect ratio.One-dimensional barcodes may be decoded from images of very low width.Thus, according to one example, the first portion 2334 may be muchthinner than the second portion 2336. The first portion 2334 may equateto a narrow (i.e., high aspect ratio) strip along the top, bottom, orside of a larger image captured by the second portion 2336.

Further, the first portion 2334 and the second portion 2336 need notstore images in the same format. A high color depth may be advantageousfor non-barcode images, but barcodes may, in many cases, be properlydecoded from barcode images having a low color depth, or even an imagewith only pixel intensity values, and no color information, as will bediscussed subsequently. Thus, for example, the first portion 2334 maycapture and/or output image data in YUV format, while the second portion2336 may capture and/or output image data in RGB, CYM, or other formats.

The differences between the first portion 2334 and the second portion2336 may also extend to the structure of the first portion 2334 and thestructure of the second portion 2336. For example, the second portion2336 may utilize a Bayer pattern or other mosaic pattern designed torecord color values, and the first portion 2334 may have a structuredesigned to record only pixel intensities. Thus, the first portion 2334may, in effect, capture only monochrome luminance data.

In alternative embodiments, a mobile device and/or an attachment mayhave an image sensor array that includes multiple image sensors. Thelight from the second optic system may then be directed to a differentimage sensor from that which receives the light from the first opticsystem. Each of the various image sensors may then have a size,chromatic storage capability, and/or other parameters that are moresuited to the type of image it is to capture.

In other alternative embodiments, one or more of the optic systems mayhave adjustable parameters. For example, the second optic system, whichis configured for non-barcode photography, may have a lens with anadjustable position and/or a deformable, adjustable shape to allow forchanges in focus depth, zoom level, etc.

In still other alternative embodiments, the optic systems may not all bealigned with the image sensor or image sensor array at the same time.For example, a mobile device or an attachment may have multiple modularelements that can be coupled to it in alignment with the image sensor;each modular element may have a different optic system. Thus, in orderto capture a barcode image, the user may first attach the appropriatemodular element to the mobile device or attachment to align the opticsystem suitable for barcode image capture with the image sensor. In someembodiments, such modular elements may be movably coupled to the mobiledevice or attachment so that each can slide, rotate, or other wise moveinto and out of alignment with the image sensor. This may beaccomplished through the use of a carousel, slider, or other movablefeature on which the modular elements are mounted such that the movablefeature can be shifted to align the desired modular element with theimage sensor.

In other alternative embodiments, more than two optic systems may beprovided. For example, a first optic system may be used for capturingbarcode images, while a second optic system is used for low-lightphotography, and a third optic system is used for bright conditions.Optic systems according to the invention may be differentiated accordingto a wide variety of conditions, including but not limited to desiredfocus depth, desired depth of field, desired chrominance, desiredf-stop, and the like.

Color Space Architecture

As mentioned previously, the color space requirements for barcode imagesmay be different from those of non-barcode images. Expedited processing,reduced data storage requirements, and enhanced decodability are some ofthe benefits that may be obtained through proper utilization of colorspace according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 24A through 24B illustrate a schematic block diagram of a mobiledevice 2402 including camera which utilizes an image sensor that iscapable of colored image output in both Y.U.V. and R.G.B. formats. Themobile device 2402 may have a configuration similar to those of othermobile devices disclosed previously; however, additional components areshown in FIG. 24A.

More specifically, the mobile device 2402 may have a housing 2404 thathouses and/or retains a variety of components, which may include adisplay screen 2412, a mobile device communications interface 2422, amobile device battery 2424, memory 2418, a processor 2416, an imagesensor 2432, and a lens 2430; these components may be substantially asdisclosed in previous embodiments. Additionally, the housing 2404 mayhouse power circuits 2440, a control circuitry 2446, an autofocusactuator 2452, a zoom actuator 2454, and system on chip circuits 2460.

The power circuits 2440 may facilitate power management and/orconsumption of the mobile device 2402. The autofocus actuator 2452 andthe zoom actuator 2454 may move or re-shape the lens 2430 in a mannerthat provides the desired focus depth and/or zoom level. The controlcircuitry 2446 may transfer image data, system commands, and other dataamong the various other components of the mobile device 2402.

The memory 2418 may contain the operating system 2426 and multiple apps.The apps may include the first app 2428, which may be a barcode scanningapp, as described previously and which may further control the camera asdescribed herein. The app 2428 may issue commands to the image sensor2432, the zoom actuator 2454, and/or the autofocus actuator 2452, eitherdirectly through hardware control circuitry 2446, through the operatingsystem 2426, or through other control circuitry.

The memory 2418 may also have an image buffer 2448 that stores imagescaptured by the image sensor 2432 on a temporary basis. If desired, thememory 2418 may also have more permanent storage for barcode imagesand/or non-barcode images.

The system may include a direct memory access (DMA) system 2444 whichmay be part of the processor system 2416. DMA 2444 provides for directwriting of a captured image to buffer memory 2448 without requiring useof the processor.

The image sensor 2432 may be secured to the system on chip circuits2460. The system on chip circuits 2460 may further have an output module2462 and an auto-white balance module 2464. The auto-white balancemodule 2464 may perform auto-white balance algorithms to enhance thequality of color photographs captured by the color image sensor 2432under different illumination conditions. In certain circumstances, suchas when the illumination focused onto the image sensor 2432 is passedthrough a narrow band filter (as described with respect to previousfigures) the application of auto-white balance algorithms maysignificantly degrade image contrast. As such, the first app 2428 maydisable auto-white balance module 2464 when utilizing the image sensor2432 for barcode reading.

The output module 2462 generates the image output 4270 in R.G.B format4274 and/or Y.U.V format 2472 from the signal values from the analog todigital converts of the image read out circuitry and makes the imageoutput available for writing DMA 2444 for writing to memory 2418.

As further illustrated in FIG. 24B, the Y.U.V. data 2472 may include,for each pixel, a luminous intensity 2480 indicative of the overallintensity of light received by the pixel, a first chromatic 2482representative of a first dimension of color of light of the pixel, anda second chromatic 2484 representative of a second dimension of color oflight of the pixel. The R.G.B. data 2474 may include, for each pixel, ared intensity 2490 indicating the intensity of red light received by thepixel, a green intensity 2492 indicating the intensity of green lightreceived by the pixel, and a blue intensity 2494 indicating theintensity of blue light received by the pixel.

The R.G.B. data 2474 may commonly be used for general-purposephotography. However, for barcode reading and/or decoding, it may beadvantageous to use the Y.U.V. data 2472 instead. This is becausedecoding a barcode image may be mostly reliant upon the pattern definedby the luminous intensity 2480 of each pixel in the barcode image.Optionally, the first chromatic 2482 and the second chromatic 2484 mayeven be ignored by the application that decodes the barcode image.

Thus, the output module 2462 of the system on chip circuits 4260 mayadvantageously be set to provide the output 2470 in the form of theY.U.V. data 2472. Accordingly, the first app 2428 may instruct theoutput module 2462, directly, through the operating system 2426, orthrough other control circuitry 2446 to cause the output module 2462 toprovide the output 2470 in the form of the Y.U.V. data when the imagesensor 2432 is to be used for capturing a barcode image and return toR.G.B format for general photography when barcode capturing operationsare complete.

If desired, for barcode images, the output module 2462 may be set toprovide the output 2470 only in the form of the luminous intensity 2480for each pixel, without the first chromatic 2482 and the secondchromatic 2484 may not even be provided. This may reduce the traffic onthe data bus, reduce the processing load of the processor 2416, and/orsave space in the image buffer 2448 of the memory 2418.

Autofocus Limitations

The autofocus settings applied to the camera of a mobile device (such asthe camera 1720 of the mobile device 1702 of FIG. 17A) may alsoadvantageously be customized for barcode image capture. Morespecifically, the range between the mobile device 1702 and the barcodeto be scanned may be relatively predictable. Thus, using customizedautofocus settings for barcode image capture may facilitate obtainingproper focus and/or expedite the image capture process.

FIG. 25A illustrates exemplary autofocus options in the form of a graph2500. As shown, a horizontal axis 2510 represents a nonlinear continuumof focus depths. The camera of a mobile device (such as the camera 1720of the mobile device 1702 of FIG. 17A) may have a full range 2520 offocus depths. However, those on the upper and lower ends of the fullrange 2520 may not be useful for barcode image capture. Accordingly, theautofocus settings of the camera 1720 may advantageously be configuredfor barcode image capture, for example, via commands to an autofocusmodule such as the autofocus module 2346 of the mobile device 2302 ofFIG. 23 and/or commands to a controller such as the controller 2342 ofthe mobile device 2302.

By way of example, the autofocus module may receive instruction to onlyallow the camera to focus as depths within a limited range 2530 of focusdepths. The limited range 2530 may represent the useful range of focusdepths for barcode image capture. Alternatively, the autofocus modulemay receive instruction to only allow the camera to focus at certaindiscrete depths, such as a first depth 2540, a second depth 2542, and athird depth 2544. The first depth 2540, the second depth 2542, and thethird depth 2544 may represent useful depth levels for barcode imagecapture.

Further, setting auto focus to discreet focus settings may be fasterthan implementing the feedback-loop algorithms for auto focus whenperforming photography wherein the image is analyzed for sharpness andfocus adjusted based on the analysis.

Binning

Further speed enhancements and/or storage space savings may be obtainedby altering the resolution of the image data when using the image datafor decoding barcodes (e.g., the output 2470 of FIG. 24A). While highresolution images (8 megapixel or more) may be desirable forconventional photography, they may not be needed for barcode imaging anddecoding. As long as the resolution is sufficient for successfuldecoding, there is typically no need for a large image.

FIG. 25B illustrates exemplary binning options that can be used toreduce the resolution of a barcode image. An exemplary barcode image2550 may be handled, by way of example, in three different ways. In afirst schema 2560, no binning may be applied, and the output 2470 mayhave one pixel for each pixel captured by the image sensor 2432. Theresulting image data may thus be full resolution. In a second schema2570, moderate binning may be applied so that the output 2470 has onepixel for every four pixels captured by the image sensor 2432. Theresulting output image data may thus be one -quarter of the resolutionof the captured image data. In a third schema 2580, more aggressivebinning may be applied so that the output 2470 has one pixel for everysix pixels captured by the image sensor 2432. The resulting output imagedata may thus be vertical binning (non-square) and one-sixth of theresolution of the captured image data.

When binning is applied, various mathematical algorithms may be used toobtain the value of an output pixel, based on its constituent pixels ofthe captured image. According to some examples, the intensity values ofthe constituent pixels may be averaged to provide the value of theresulting output pixel.

Image Capture and Decoding

A variety of methods may be applied to capture and/or decode a barcodethrough the use of the mobile devices and/or attachments disclosedherein. Two of these will be shown and described in connection withFIGS. 26A and 26B. Some of the steps mentioned previously for optimizingimage capture for barcode images are included in these methods; otheroptimization steps may be included in addition to or in place of any ofthese steps within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally,the methods of FIGS. 26A and 26B may be used with any of the mobiledevices and/or attachments described previously and may be implementedin an app operating on the mobile device, within the operating system ofthe mobile device, or within certain components of the accessory.

FIG. 26A illustrates a method 2600 of capturing and decoding barcodeswith limited autofocus. The method 2600 may start 2602 with a query 2604in which the mobile device and/or attachment determine whether the imagesensor and/or associated circuitry has been set to provide output in theY.U.V. color space. If not, the method 2600 proceeds to a step 2606 inwhich the app issuing commands to the operating system, the controller,or the image sensor and/or associated circuitry are set to provide theoutput in the Y.U.V. color space.

Once the step 2606 has been carried out, or if, pursuant to the query2604, a determination is made that the image sensor and/or associatedcircuitry have already been set to provide output in the Y.U.V. colorspace, the method 2600 may proceed to a step 2610 in which the autofocuslimits are set. This may entail the app issuing a command to theoperating system, the autofocus module or controller to establish lowerand/or upper bounds for focus depth, as illustrated in FIG. 25A.

The method 2600 may proceed to a step 2612 in which the app may issue acommand to the operating system, the controller, or the auto-whitebalance module to disable the auto-white balance function of the imagesensor and/or associated circuitry. This may be done, as indicatedpreviously, to avoid degrading contrast when only a narrow band ofillumination frequency is focused onto the image sensor for barcodereading.

The method 2600 may proceed to a step 2614 in which the resolution forthe output image is determined by the app. This may be done, forexample, based on the type of barcode to be scanned, the size of thebarcode within the output image, and other factors, which may bedetermined from previous images captured of the barcode. The resolutionselected may be full resolution (i.e., one output pixel for each pixelcaptured by the image sensor) or binned (i.e., one output pixel for eachgroup of x pixels captured by the image sensor).

The method 2600 may proceed to a step 2620 in which the resolution andbinning are set. This may entail the app issuing a command to operatingsystem, control circuitry, or the image sensor and/or associatedcircuitry to provide output in a certain image size, and/or to bin thecaptured barcode image according to a certain pattern.

The app may then issue a command to the operating system, controlcircuitry, or camera so that it may be focused at a focus depth withinthe limited range provided to the autofocus module or controller. Themethod 2600 may execute a query 2622 to wait until this has beenaccomplished prior to proceeding.

Once limited autofocus is complete, the method 2600 may proceed to astep 2630 in which capture of the barcode image is initiated by theimage sensor. Once the barcode image has been captured, the mobiledevice and/or attachment may attempt to decode it based on the intensityvalues in the Y.U.V. color space in a step 2632. Pursuant to a query2640, if decoding was successful, the method 2600 may end 2642. Ifdecoding was unsuccessful, then a new barcode image may need to becaptured. This may be done by returning to the step 2620 to re-setresolution, binning, exposure, gain and/or auto focus setting. Theremaining steps may flow as set forth above until the barcode image hasbeen successfully decoded, or until the user cancels further imagecapture and/or decoding attempts.

FIG. 26B illustrates a method 2650 of capturing and decoding barcodeswith the camera focus at a predetermined position. The method 2650 maystart 2652 with a query 2654 in which the mobile device and/orattachment determine whether the image sensor and/or associatedcircuitry has been set to provide output in the Y.U.V. color space. Ifnot, the method 2650 proceeds to a step 2656 in which the app may issuea command to the operating system, control circuitry or image sensorand/or associated circuitry to provide the output in the Y.U.V. colorspace.

Once the step 2656 has been carried out, or if, pursuant to the query2604, a determination is made that the image sensor and/or associatedcircuitry have already been set to provide output in the Y.U.V. colorspace, the method 2600 may proceed to a step 2660 in which the focusposition (i.e., focus depth) is determined by the app. This may be done,for example, based on the type of barcode to be decoded, the distancebetween the mobile device and/or attachment and the barcode, and/orother factors. Performance of the step 2660 may entail selection of themost suitable one of a plurality of predetermined focus depths, such asthe first depth 2540, the second depth 2542, and the third depth 2544 ofFIG. 25A.

Once the focus position has been determined, the method 2650 may proceedto a step 2662 in which focus position of the camera is set to thedetermined position. Then, in a step 2664, the autofocus function of thecamera may be disabled. Performance of steps may entail issuing one ormore commands by the app to the operating system, control circuitry orto the autofocus module or controller to establish the focus depth, forexample, as one of the discrete values illustrated in FIG. 25A.

The method 2650 may proceed to a step 2670 in which the app may issue acommand to the operating system, the controller, or the auto-whitebalance module to disable the auto-white balance function of the imagesensor and/or associated circuitry. This may be done, as indicatedpreviously, to avoid degrading contrast when only a narrow band ofillumination frequency is focused onto the image sensor for barcodereading.

The method 2650 may proceed to a step 2672 in which the resolution forthe output image is determined. This may be done, for example, based onthe type of barcode to be scanned, the size of the barcode within theoutput image, and other factors. The resolution selected may be fullresolution (i.e., one output pixel for each pixel captured by the imagesensor) or binned (i.e., one output pixel for each group of x pixelscaptured by the image sensor).

The method 2650 may proceed to a step 2680 in which the resolution andbinning are set. This may entail the app issuing a command to theoperating system, control circuitry, or image sensor and/or associatedcircuitry to provide output in a certain image size, and/or to bin thecaptured barcode image according to a certain pattern.

The method 2600 may proceed to a step 2682 in which capture of thebarcode image is initiated by the image sensor. Once the barcode imagehas been captured, the mobile device and/or attachment may attempt todecode it based on the intensity values in the Y.U.V. color space in astep 2690. Pursuant to a query 2692, if decoding was successful, themethod 2650 may end 2694. If decoding was unsuccessful, then a newbarcode image may need to be captured. This may be done by returning tothe step 2672 to re-set resolution and binning. The remaining steps mayflow as set forth above until the barcode image has been successfullydecoded, or until the user cancels further image capture and/or decodingattempts.

Optic System for Illuminating Torch

In some embodiments, a mobile device may have an illumination torch, or“flash,” in addition to the remaining camera components. For such mobiledevices, it may be advantageous to provide attachments that utilize thelight provided by the illumination torch, rather than providing aseparate exposure illumination system.

FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate a mobile device 2702 with an attachment2700 with optics for image capture, and optics for image illuminationthat utilize the illumination system of the mobile device. Moreparticularly, the mobile device 2702 may have a housing 2704 having aplurality of exterior surfaces, including a top surface 2706, a bottomsurface 2708, a back surface 2710, a right side 2716, and a left side2718. The housing 2704 may retain a display screen 2712, which may begenerally parallel to the back surface 2710.

The housing 2704 may contain and/or retain components including a cameralens 2730, an image sensor 2732, and an illuminating torch 2790. Theilluminating torch 2790 may act as a “flash” for conventionalphotographs taken by the mobile device 2702. The illuminating torch 2790may emit illumination through a torch illumination field 2792.

The attachment 2700 may have a housing 2740 with a first chamber 2752and a second chamber 2754. The first chamber 2752 may house a firstoptic system that cooperates with the camera lens 2730 and the imagesensor 2732, and a second optic system that cooperates with theilluminating torch 2790.

More specifically, the first optic system may be designed to modifyproperties of the light passing through the camera lens 2730 to reachthe image sensor 2732. The first optic system may include an attachmentlens 2760 positioned substantially within a camera field of view 2734 ofthe camera lens 2730, and a barrier 2762 that defines an aperture 2768.The camera field of view 2734 may be modified by the attachment lens2760 and the aperture 2768 to provide a system field of view 2770. Thesystem field of view 2770 may be more suitable for capturing barcodeimages than the camera field of view 2734. The system field of view 2770may have a system angular size 2784 different from a camera angular size(not shown) of the camera field of view.

The second optic system may be an illumination optic system designed tomodify the properties of light emitted by the illumination torch 2790.The second optic system may include an illumination lens 2794 that ispositioned within a torch illumination field 2792 of the illuminationtorch 2790. The torch illumination field 2792 may be modified by theillumination lens 2794 to provide a system illumination field 2796. Thesystem illumination field 2796 may be more suitable for illuminatingbarcodes for decoding than the torch illumination field 2792. The systemillumination field 2796 may have a system angular size 2798 differentfrom a torch angular size (not shown) of the torch illumination field2792. The first chamber 2752 may be isolated from the second chamber2754 to keep illumination from the illumination torch 2790 form passingdirectly from the second chamber 2754 into the first chamber 2752.

As shown, the system illumination field 2796 may substantially overlapwith the system field of view 2770. Thus, with the aid of theillumination optic (i.e., the second optic), the system field of view2770 may be effectively illuminated. This enhanced illumination mayfacilitate the effective capture and decoding of barcode images with themobile device 2702 and the attachment 2700.

Potential Uses

Barcode verification is the process of measuring the print quality of aprinted barcode to analyze how it will perform in different environmentswith different types of scanning equipment. The process of verificationinvolves checking the visual aspects (for modulation, decodability andmore) of printed barcodes against standards made by internationalorganizations.

An attachment that improves the barcode reading capabilities of a mobiledevice, as described herein, may enable a mobile device to be used forbarcode verification, print verification, and/or other types ofverification, and/or for reading direct part marks.

For barcode print quality verification or general printing analysis, theattachment must provide fixed reading distance and ensure there is nodistortion when capturing an image of the target to be verified. Whenthe imaging distance is fixed, the mobile device can be calibrated toremove lens distortion and establish a conversion factor between thenumber of pixels and the actual physical size.

For reading direct part marks, ambient lighting or LED lighting from themobile device is usually not suitable to create sufficient contrast fordecoding the marks. A special lighting attachment that provides diffusedon-axis illumination and/or low angle illumination is needed.

Anti-Microbial Housing

An attachment as described herein may include an anti-microbial housing,i.e., a housing that includes one or more additives (e.g., a silveriodide additive) that inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria on thesurface of the housing. This type of housing may be beneficial if amobile device is going to be used in a medical environment.

Chemical-Resistant Housing

Mobile devices are often made with a housing of amorphous plastics, suchas polycarbonate/acrylonitrilebutadiene-styrene (PC/ABS). Housings madeof PC/ABS contain a loosely packed structure which makes it easier forchemicals to penetrate the plastic. Repeated use of chemical cleansers(e.g., cleansers that include isopropyl alcohol) may damage suchhousings. However, the use of chemical cleansers may be important. Forexample, if a mobile device is going to be used as a barcode reader in amedical environment, it is important to frequently disinfect the mobiledevice in order to try to prevent or limit the spread of infection.

An attachment as described herein may include a housing that is designedto resist the harmful effects of chemical cleansers. Such a housing maybe referred to as a “chemical-resistant” (or a “disinfectant-ready”)housing. A chemical-resistant housing may include one or more additives(e.g., silicone) that reduce the harmful effects of chemical cleansers.

It should be appreciated that components and structures described withrespect to any attachment embodiment may be implemented in otherattachment embodiments and similarly components and structures describedwith respect to any embodiment of a camera device, mobile device, orapp, operating system, or circuitry therein, may be implemented anyother embodiments. The claims are not limited to the specificimplementations described above. Various modifications, changes andvariations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of theimplementations described herein without departing from the scope of theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus capable of scanning barcodes andcapturing non -barcode images through the use of a mobile devicecomprising a processor, a display screen, an image sensing system, andmemory containing executable code configured to cause the image sensingsystem to capture image data, wherein the apparatus comprises: a firstset of imaging optics that receives, from within a first field of view,first light defining a first portion of image data captured by the imagesensing system, the first portion comprising a barcode image, whereinthe first field of view is centered on a first optical a second set ofimaging optics that receives, from within a second field of view, secondlight defining a second portion of the image data, the second portioncomprising a non-barcode image, wherein the second field of view iscentered on a second optical pathway nonparallel to the first opticalpathway; a housing that retains the first set of imaging optics and thesecond set of imaging optics; and an attachment feature secured to thehousing, wherein the attachment feature is securable to the mobiledevice; wherein the first set of imaging optics is positioned to directthe first light at the image sensing system of the mobile device and thesecond set of imaging optics is positioned to direct the second light atthe image sensing system of the mobile device, wherein the mobile deviceis selected from the group consisting of smartphones, tablets, andcombinations thereof.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the imagesensing system comprises a first image sensor and a second image sensor,wherein the first set of imaging optics directs the first light at thefirst image sensor and the second set of image optics directs the secondlight at the second image sensor.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a non-transitory storage medium on which the executable codeis encoded, wherein the executable code is configured such that thefirst portion of the image data is captured substantially simultaneouslywith capture of the second portion of the image data.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the second field of view encompasses a second anglecentered on the second optical pathway, wherein the second set ofimaging optics comprises a selection from the group consisting of: amovable lens that moves relative to the image sensing system to changethe second angle; and a deformable lens that is deformable to change thesecond angle.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first set ofimaging optics comprises a filter positioned on the first opticalpathway to restrict passage of light of undesired frequencies throughthe first set of imaging optics.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, furthercomprising a housing, wherein the filter comprises an exterior windowsecured to the housing such that the filter and the housing cooperate todefine an interior space containing the first set of imaging optics andthe second set of imaging optics.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a non-transitory storage medium on which the executable codeis encoded, wherein the executable code comprises an application thatcan be executed by the processor to capture the non-barcode image,wherein the application is configured to store the non-barcode image inthe memory in response to receipt of a first user input selected fromthe group consisting of initiation of the application, and selection ofa setting within the application.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising a first illumination system comprising at least one of atargeting illumination system that projects targeting illuminationproximate the first field of view prior to capture of the image data toindicate proper positioning of a barcode within the first field of view,and an image capture illumination system that projects image captureillumination into the first field of view during capture of the imagedata to illuminate a barcode within the first field of view, whereinapplication is configured, in response to receipt of the first userinput, to capture the non-barcode image without activating the firstillumination system.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anon-transitory storage medium on which the executable code is encoded,wherein the executable code comprises an application that can beexecuted by the processor to capture the barcode image, wherein theapplication is configured to initiate decoding of the barcode image inresponse to receipt of a first user input selected from the groupconsisting of initiation of the application, and selection of a settingwithin the application.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprisinga first illumination system comprising at least one of a targetingillumination system that projects targeting illumination proximate thefirst field of view prior to capture of the image data to indicateproper positioning of a barcode within the first field of view, and animage capture illumination system that projects image captureillumination into the first field of view during capture of the imagedata to illuminate a barcode within the first field of view, whereinapplication is configured, in response to receipt of the first userinput, to activate the first illumination system and capture the barcodeimage.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the application is furtherconfigured to discard the barcode image in response to receipt of one ofa second user input cancelling decoding of the barcode, and confirmationthat the barcode image was successfully decoded.
 12. An attachment for amobile device, the mobile device comprising a processor, a displayscreen, an image sensing system, and memory, the memory containingexecutable code configured to cause the image sensing system to captureimage data, the attachment comprising: an attachment feature securableto the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is selected from thegroup consisting of smartphones, tablets, and smartphone/tablets; afirst set of imaging optics that receives, from within a first field ofview, first light defining a first portion of image data captured by theimage sensing system, the first portion comprising a barcode image,wherein the first field of view is centered on a first optical pathway;and a second set of imaging optics that receives, from within a secondfield of view, second light defining a second portion of the image data,the second portion of the image data comprising a non-barcode image,wherein the second field of view is centered on a second optical pathwaynonparallel to the first optical pathway.
 13. The attachment of claim12, further comprising a non-transitory storage medium on which theexecutable code is encoded, wherein the image sensing system comprisesan image sensor, wherein the first set of imaging optics directs thefirst light at the image sensor and the second set of imaging opticsdirects the second light at the image sensor, wherein the image sensorcomprises a first portion that receives the first light and a secondportion that receives the second light, wherein the executable code isconfigured such that the image data define a composite image comprisinga first image portion comprising the barcode image, and a second imageportion comprising the non-barcode image.
 14. The attachment of claim12, wherein, when the attachment feature is secured to the mobiledevice, the first optical pathway extends substantially parallel to thedisplay screen of the mobile device and the second optical pathwayextends substantially orthogonal to the first optical pathway.
 15. Theattachment of claim 12, further comprising a targeting illuminationsystem that projects targeting illumination proximate the first field ofview prior to capture of the image data to indicate proper positioningof a barcode within the first field of view.
 16. The attachment of claim12, further comprising an image capture illumination system thatprojects image capture illumination into the first field of view duringcapture of the image data to illuminate a barcode within the first fieldof view.
 17. The attachment of claim 12, wherein the first set ofimaging optics comprises a filter positioned on the first opticalpathway to restrict passage of light of undesired frequencies throughthe first set of imaging optics.
 18. The attachment of claim 12, furthercomprising a non-transitory storage medium on which the executable codeis encoded, wherein the executable code comprises an application thatcan be executed by the processor to capture the non-barcode image,wherein the application is configured to store the non-barcode image inthe memory in response to receipt of a first user input selected fromthe group consisting of initiation of the application, and selection ofa setting within the application.
 19. The attachment of claim 12,further comprising a non-transitory storage medium on which theexecutable code is encoded, wherein the executable code comprises anapplication that can be executed by the processor to capture the barcodeimage, wherein the application is configured to initiate decoding of thebarcode image in response to receipt of a first user input selected fromthe group consisting of initiation of the application, and selection ofa setting within the application.
 20. A method for decoding a barcodethrough the use of an apparatus comprising a processor, a displayscreen, an image sensing system, memory, and an attachment comprising ahousing that retains a first set of imaging optics and a second set ofimaging optics, the attachment further comprising an attachment featuresecured to the housing, the method comprising: securing the attachmentfeature to a mobile device; executing executable code on the processorto run an application, wherein the processor is incorporated into themobile device, and wherein the mobile device comprises the displayscreen and the image sensing system; with the application, receivingfirst user input selecting to scan a barcode; with the first set ofimaging optics, directing first light defining a first portion of imagedata at the image sensing system, wherein the first portion of the imagedata comprises a barcode image, wherein the first set of imaging opticsdefines a first field of view centered on a first optical pathway,wherein the second set of imaging optics defines a second field of viewcentered on a second optical pathway nonparallel to the first opticalpathway; capturing the image data with the image sensing system; and inresponse to receipt of the first user input, initiating decoding of thebarcode image to initiate generation of decoded barcode data.